Oilers Prospect Ethan Bear Named WHL Defenceman Of The Year

I’m not saying that Ethan Bear has Norris Trophy potential… but I’m not NOT saying that either.

It was announced this afternoon that all-star defenceman from the Seattle Thunderbirds, and all around great guy, Ethan Bear has won the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the best defenceman of the WHL. If you forgot, I’m happy to remind you that the Edmonton Oilers drafted Bear in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. This is a complete steal of a pick if you ask me.

Bear tallied 28 goals and 42 assists (as a DEFENCEMAN) this regular season and then followed it up with 5 goals, 11 assists in 11 games in the playoffs. These are unreal numbers for any type of defenceman whether you’re Brent Burns or Justin Schultz and I for one couldn’t be more excited to see Ethan suit up in the orange and blue in the years to come. Off the ice, Ethan Bear has been known to remain humble and not to brag about himself too much. I think he deserves to let loose a bit now, as no defencemen in the history of the Thunderbirds has scored as many goals as him.

Some notable NHL players who have previously earned the Bill Hunter Memorial Award include Wendel Clark, Chris, Phillips, Tyson Barrie, Dion Phaneuf, Kris Russell (TWICE), and Tyson Barrie.