Ochapawace’s Ethan Bear scores first NHL goal with Oilers

Despite an overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear has something to celebrate after scoring his first NHL goal.

Bear, of the Ochapawace First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan, was called up by the Oilers at the end of February.

It took 13 games, but he scored his first goal in the majors Sunday with his team on the power play in the third period. The goal, assisted by Connor McDavid, would lift the Oilers to a 4-3 lead.

Bear also had an assist on a goal by Leon Draisaitl in what ended up being a losing effort, as the Oilers fell to the Ducks 5-4 in overtime.

Many of Bear’s family and friends were there to witness the goal and could be seen proudly waving an Ochapawace Cree Nation banner in the stands.

Plenty of Oiler fans took to social media to congratulate the young defenceman, and several of the comments noted his achievements are an inspiration to Indigenous youth across Saskatchewan.

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