For the Reporter
Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Ethan Bear has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers selected Bear in the fifth round, 124th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Bear was fifth in the WHL in scoring among defensemen last season with 19 goals and 46 assists for 65 points in 69 games. Bear, a first-team Western Conference All-Star, had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points to lead WHL defensemen in scoring in the playoffs.
Bear has 38 goals and 84 assists for 122 points in three seasons and 197 games with Seattle.
Bear is the fourth T-Bird from last season’s team that has signed an NHL contract. Center Mathew Barzal signed with the New York Islanders on Sept. 9. Right wing Keegan Kolesar signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 20. Left wing Ryan Gropp signed with the New York Rangers on Dec. 31. All four players were taken in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The T-Birds start the 2016-17 regular season on the road against the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Moda Center. The T-Birds’ home opener is Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:05 p.m. against the Winterhawks at the ShoWare Center.
T-Birds’ single-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 online and at the ShoWare Center box office.
Season tickets are on sale can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.
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