NHL.com’s William Douglas posted an article discussing the minority representation at this past weekend’s NHL Draft in Los Angeles, and Red Wings prospect Carter Bear, who’s part of the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, is proud of his heritage:
Carter Bear, LW, Detroit Red Wings, first round (No. 13)
A left wing for Everett of the Western Hockey League, Bear said he was humbled when he learned about a draft watch party in Peguis First Nation in Manitoba on Friday, cheering his selection. The Southern Chiefs Organization congratulated him on Instagram, calling his selection “a historic and proud moment for Carter, his family, and his Nation, and a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication he has shown throughout his hockey journey.”
“That shows how proud they are,” Bear said. “I’m proud of where I’m from — my community and my Indigenous background.”
Bear (6-foot, 179) tied for seventh in the WHL with 40 goals in 56 games, and he also led Everett with 82 points and 14 power-play goals despite sustaining a partially torn Achilles tendon on March 9. The 18-year-old from Winnipeg is on track to be fully cleared by September.
“We think we’re getting a very intelligent hockey player who is extremely competitive at the junior hockey level,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said. “He really can score, and we think all of his game translates to the NHL as well. I think our fan base will really take to him.”
Continued; as noted on Friday night, Bear’s First Nations community had a watch party to witness Bear being drafted by the Red Wings, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press’s Mike McIntyre:
The party was in full swing at the Peguis Multiplex, where community members gathered to watch one of their own under the bright lights in Hollywood.
“Everyone here knew about this evening and are super excited for him and proud of his accomplishment,” said Chief Stan Bird.
“Considering everything our community has gone through, and what we’re still continuing to experience in terms of addictions and other negative things, I think this is a really positive event for our community. He’s someone our young people look up to. It shows what hard work brings. It sets a really good example for our young people.”
