When the New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] signed defenseman Ethan Bear [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-sign-goaltender-david-rittich-defenseman-ethan-bear-on-day-one-of-nhl-free-agency] to a one-year, two-way deal, it didn't seem like anything more than a depth signing. However, if you peel back the curtain just a bit, Bear coming to the island or at least the Islanders' organization certainly means a whole heck of a lot to one of the team's stars. From 2013-2017, Bear and Islanders star forward Mathew Barzal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/patrick-roy-mathew-barzal-culture-new-york-islanders-one-year-players-record] were teammates with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. The two won the 2017 WHL Championships, also known as the Ed Chynoweth Cup, by knocking off the Regina Pats to secure their ticket to the Memorial Cup. They ultimately lost in the finals to the Windsor Spitfires. Mathew Barzal: From Seattle Thunderbirds to NHL Stardom [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/86s602TjOf4/oar2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEYCJwEENAFSFqQAgHyq4qpAwcIARUAAIhC&rs=AOn4CLBNYgZO8F0kXad_gJ5zJDjgimJpnw] Mathew Barzal: From Seattle Thunderbirds to NHL Stardom Mathew Barzal is a name that every hockey fan knows, and for good reason. In this video, we take a deep dive into his journey to stardom, starting with his t... [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/86s602TjOf4] But Barzal's relationship with Bear goes beyond teammates. The two were best buds on and off the ice. And when Bear got married to Lenasia Ned in July of 2023, guess who was his best man? Barzal and Bear were both drafted in 2015: Barzal to the Islanders at No. 16, and Bear to the Edmonton Oilers at No. 124. The two have had different paths for sure. Barzal has stuck with the Islanders and is gearing up to enter the third season of an eight-year deal worth $9.15 million annually. Bear has played for four different organizations over the last four seasons. He's battled for playing time on the ice, but also off the ice. On March 27, 2024, Bear entered the NHLPA's Player's Assistance Program. "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," Bear admitted. As the demands of life got more gruelling, and as every minute in the NHL took on more and more weight, Bear knew something wasn't right; he just didn't know what it was. All he knew was that he needed help — and fast. "You know what? I had to go," he said honestly. "It was just... it was the best thing for me. That's all I could say." Ethan Bear Knew Something Wasn't Right, So He Entered The Player Assistance Program. He's Grateful He Did: 'My Life Has Turned Around' [https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/MjA5NDQ4MDYwNTUwMzkxNDQ2/bear-2.jpg] Ethan Bear Knew Something Wasn't Right, So He Entered The Player Assistance Program. He's Grateful He Did: 'My Life Has Turned Around' The Capitals blueliner opens up about coming to terms with his anxiety and depression and getting the help he needed. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/washington-capitals-ethan-bear-opens-up-time-nhl-nhlpa-player-assistance-program] Bear is in a great place now, and while he may not be making the Islanders out of training camp since they have a logjam on the right side, Bear will play a vital role in helping the Bridgeport Islanders turn things around under new head coach Rocky Thompson. However, if there is an injury on the right side of the blue line and Bear is playing well for Bridgeport, he will very likely be the first player recalled. When training camps open up, we'll get to hear from Barzal and Bear about their friendship, but from the outside looking in, it seems like an incredibly close bond. PHOTO: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
