Former Oiler Ethan Bear opens up about battle with depression

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Liam McCormick
September 22, 2024 (1:25 PM)

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Former Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear is heading into next season coming off a difficult shoulder surgery and the player assistance program, and opened up about the experience in a recent interview.

Bear entered the Player Assistance Program in May after playing just 24 games due to the shoulder surgery. Speaking to the Hockey News in a recent interview, Bear opened up on the battle with his mental health and physical health, and when it reached the point he knew he needed help.

Last year was very hard for me mentally, physically... I've never been through something like that before.

I noticed myself not being able to go to bed at night, not being able to wake up in the morning... it was hard for me. It felt like everything was just very challenging to do. You know what? I had to go. It was just... it was the best thing for me. That's all I could say.
- Ethan Bear

After reaching out to get the help he needs, Bear is on a much better place at Capitals' training camp now. Bear is looking to inspire others by opening up about the realities of mental health, and the fact that things get better with treatment. He's now welcomed a second child with his wife over the summer, and says he feels the best he ever has in his career.

My energy on a day-to-day basis has never been more, from being a hockey player to a dad and a husband, I have all the energy in the world to be present with my family and with the team, and that's what's important to me. That's going to be the new change everyone's going to see this year.
- Ethan Bear

Bear is under contract this season with the Captials for $2.062M. He's been a quality two-way depth defender throughout his 275 game career, and has always profiled positively with analytics. Still, after a rough two seasons with injury, he'll have to have a good year this season to earn another contract.

The Edmonton Oilers selected Ethan Bear in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Draft, and he went on to play parts of three seasons with the team. Bear became a major fan favourite for his personality and pride for his community, the Ochapowace First Nation. Wherever he goes in his career, Bear will have a major following of fans in Edmonton wishing the best for him.

Source for Bear Quotes: The Hockey News - Ethan Bear Knew Something Wasn't Right, So He Entered The Player Assistance Program. He's Grateful He Did: 'My Life Has Turned Around'

Source for Bear Stats: PuckPedia - Ethan Bear