Ethan Bear breaks his silence over his mental heath struggles

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Finnegan Frost
September 22, 2024 (2:51 PM)

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Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear is on a road to redemption after being cleared from the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program.

The path for Ethan Bear hasn't been an easy one to say the least. A player who once showed so much promise for the Edmonton Oilers struggled to maintain traction after being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, and then to the Washington Capitals thereafter.

According to Liam McCormick from Oilers Daily, 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

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 looking to prove his worth once again and has a massive chip on his shoulder heading into the 2024-25 season. Currently heading into the last year of his $2 million AAV contract with the Capitals, all eyes will be on Bear to get back on track.

Being admitted to the NHLPA's players assistance program takes vulnerability and courage. Oilers Insider would like to wish Ethan Bear all the best heading into this comeback season.

source: Oilers Daily
Former Oiler Ethan Bear opens up about battle with depression