Ethan Bear Named WHL Defenseman of the Year

The Western Hockey League this afternoon announced Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Ethan Bear has been named the WHL Defenseman of the Year. The announcement was made at the WHL Awards Luncheon at the Deerfoot Inn in Calgary.

Bear, the Western Conference nominee for the Defenseman of the Year Award, had 28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points in 67 games this season. In 264 career games over four seasons Bear has 66 goals and 126 assists for 192 points.

Bear was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round, 124th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry level contract with the Oilers on July 2, 2016.

Bear was named a First Team Western Conference All-Star for the second consecutive season on March 22.

The T-Birds play the Regina Pats in the WHL Championship starting Friday, May 5, at the Brandt Centre. Game 1 puck drop is at 6pm. Game 2 is Saturday, May 6, at 6pm in Regina.

The T-Birds will host Games 3, 4 and 5 of the WHL Championship.

Game 3 is Tuesday, May 9, at 7:05pm at ShoWare Center. Game 3 will be a Directors Mortgage 2-for-Tuesday game that will feature two-for-one tickets in all price levels and $2 concession specials on beer, hot dogs, popcorn and soda.

Game 4 of the WHL Championship will be a White Out Wednesday game on May 10. Wear your favorite white T-Birds jersey or t-shirt. The puck drops at 7:05pm at ShoWare Center for Game 4.

Single game playoff tickets for the WHL Championship are currently on sale on the T-Birds website and at the ShoWare Center box office. The ShoWare Center box office is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday game days at noon.

WHL Championship Regina vs. Seattle Game 1 Seattle at Regina Friday, May 5, 6pm Game 2 Seattle at Regina Saturday, May 6, 6pm Game 3 Regina at Seattle, Tuesday, May 9, 7:05pm Game 4 Regina at Seattle, Wednesday, May 10, 7:05pm Game 5 Regina at Seattle, Friday, May 12, 7:35pm* Game 6 Seattle at Regina, Sunday, May 14, 5pm* Game 7 Seattle at Regina, Monday, May 15, 6pm* *if necessary