NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear
As a lifelong sports fan, I’ve always paid close attention when a Native athlete makes it to the big leagues. For me, seeing NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochopawace) take the ice in the NHL was a significant moment. It meant a lot—not just because of his talent, but because of what he represents.
Ethan Bear is from the Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan, and he grew up playing hockey just like a lot of kids in Canada. Hockey has always been a huge part of life in the north, and while it’s still not an easy road for Native players, hockey has actually had more Indigenous representation over the years than many other major sports. From early players like NDN All-Star #22 Fred Sasakamoose (Ahtakakoop Cree) to modern names like NDN All-Star #48 Carey Price (Dahelh), the NHL has quietly had a stronger presence of Native athletes than people often realize. That’s part of what makes Ethan’s story so important—he’s carrying on a long, proud tradition.
He played junior hockey with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League, where he quickly became one of the most solid defensemen in the league. I remember reading about how he could control the puck, take smart shots from the blue line, and hold his ground under pressure. Scouts noticed, too. The Edmonton Oilers drafted him in 2015, 124th overall. That might not sound like a top pick, but he earned his shot and made it count.
Ethan made his NHL debut with the Oilers in 2018. Seeing a Native player out there, wearing that jersey, skating with confidence—it meant something. And then in 2020, during an exhibition game, he wore his jersey with his name spelled in Cree syllabics. That wasn’t just a cool detail. That was pride, front and center.
Since his debut, Ethan has played for several NHL teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vancouver Canucks. As of now, he’s skating with the Washington Capitals. Along the way, he’s had to deal with some things most players don’t—ignorant remarks online, and a lack of recognition for what it means to carry your culture into a game that doesn’t always highlight it. But Ethan hasn’t backed down. He’s spoken up, stayed steady, and kept showing up.
One thing I really admire is how he carries his heritage with him. He has his name written in Cree syllabics on his hockey sticks. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s meaningful. It’s there during every practice, every game—a quiet but steady reminder of who he is and where he comes from.
Ethan Bear is more than just a defenseman. He’s part of a legacy of Native players in the NHL who’ve made their presence felt, even if the league hasn’t always made a big deal about it. He’s also a role model for Native youth who dream about playing at the highest level. He reminds us that our stories belong in every sport—even ones like hockey, where Native athletes have been present for decades, even if we not always seen.
Watching Ethan play reminds me that pride, identity, and community matter just as much as stats and trophies. His career is still going, and I’m excited to see what’s next for him.
But even now, I can already say this—NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear has made his mark. And for a fan of Native American athletes like me, he’s someone we’ll always root for.
Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present. He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.
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