Ethan Bear's summertime message to dozens of local youth was simple: believe in yourself.
Bear, the now New York Islanders defenceman who in 2020 honoured his Indigenous heritage by having his last name written in Cree syllabics on the back of his Edmonton Oilers jersey, visited the Penticton Indian Band (PIB) on Aug. 15.
The 28-year-old, who's also suited up for Carolina, Vancouver, and Washington in his six-year NHL career, delivered remarks to the community before playing ball hockey with the kids and signing autographs.
"It shows the community members that something as fun as this is easy to set up, and kids can come play as much as they want," Bear said. "That's something I had growing up."
Bear was born in Saskatchewan, raised in the Ochapowace Nation east of Regina, but spends his offseasons in West 91大黄鸭. The fifth-round pick of the Oilers in 2015 played 61 games for the Canucks during the 2022-23 campaign.
A free-agent acquisition of the Islanders ahead of this season, Bear spent close to two hours with a stick in hand playing ball hockey with youth from across the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
"Sometimes it's about that first introduction to the game, playing with your band members and friends... it's important," Bear said. "It creates memories and bonds, and it's awesome that they got to experience that today."
PIB Chief Greg Gabriel said he was thrilled to see Bear make an extended appearance, which also included lunch at PIB Hall and photo opportunities with residents.
"I really appreciate him taking the time to come," Gabriel said. "The kids are just so happy today, and that's all I want, to see the smiling faces."
After Bear's daily workout 鈥� as he prepares for NHL training camp in less than a month 鈥� the 5'11", 197-pound blueliner spent most of Friday morning telling the kids about his journey to professional hockey's biggest stage.
"The main thing is to really believe in yourself," Bear said, recounting his speech to the kids. "Work hard, and when it gets hard, ask questions. When you put the effort in and are willing to do the work, there's going to be people there to help you."
Bear joins New York after splitting time last season with Washington 鈥� the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs 鈥� and the club's American Hockey League Affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
