Red Wings pick is Peguis proud

Carter Bear couldn’t hear or see the eruption of cheers and happy tears from family and friends back in Manitoba on Friday night — including a large gathering in his home community of Peguis First Nation.

However, the 18-year-old could feel the love and support after he was selected 13th-overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL draft in Los Angeles.

“That shows how proud they are. I’m proud of where I’m from — my community and my Indigenous background,” he told the Free Press via Zoom shortly after having his name called.

It takes a village, as the saying goes, and Bear was feeling especially thankful to everyone in his world who helped him get to this stage. He’s the first Manitoban hockey player to be drafted in the opening round since Strathclair’s Conor Geekie went 11th-overall to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022.

“My Mom and Dad, they’ve done so much for me,” said Bear, who was overcome with emotion at times. “I’m out of words. This is just unreal.”

The party was in full swing at the Peguis Multiplex, where community members gathered to watch one of their own under the bright lights in Hollywood.

“Everyone here knew about this evening and are super excited for him and proud of his accomplishment,” said Chief Stan Bird.

“Considering everything our community has gone through, and what we’re still continuing to experience in terms of addictions and other negative things, I think this is a really positive event for our community. He’s someone our young people look up to. It shows what hard work brings. It sets a really good example for our young people.”

Bear and his family eventually moved to West St. Paul, playing minor hockey through Seven Oaks and eventually starring with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18AAA team. He wasn’t picked until the sixth round, 132nd-overall, in the WHL draft but quickly proved to be a huge success for the Everett Silvertips.

Bear had 82 points this year (40G, 42A) in 56 WHL games. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end after he suffered a partially cut Achilles tendon. That likely cost him a few draft slots. He was the highest-rated of 14 Manitoba skaters who made the final cut of NHL Central Scouting rankings.

“Thrilled to have you in our organization. Obviously we love you as a hockey player,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told Bear right after his pick was announced.

When asked what drew the organization to Bear, Steve Y didn’t hesitate.

“We think he’s an extremely intelligent hockey player. Very competitive. high-end skill. A great goal scorer. We just think he’s an excellent all-around player,” said Yzerman.

“From everyone we’ve spoken to — his former teammates, coaches — everyone has thought extremely highly of him.”

That’s no surprise to those who know Bear best.

“He is easily the most determined and driven player we have ever had the pleasure of learning with. Carter sees obstacles as opportunities and thinks his way through them methodically until they are no longer obstacles,” said Vince Hourie, his former coach with the Winnipeg Hawks.

“We know Carter won’t stop working here. Being second-best is not part of his makeup. He is driven and through his journey he has remained humble and grounded.”

Bear said he’s about 80 per cent recovered from his injury, meaning he likely won’t be a participate in Detroit’s rookie development camp next week, but he expects to fully healed in time for the WHL season this fall.

“We have watched Carter grow up to become an amazing hockey player and role model for First Nations kids and all Canadian kids across this country,” said Cindy Woodhouse, a close family friend who is also National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

“His mom and dad, Misty and Conrad Bear, have worked so hard everyday to give their kids a good life, grounded in ceremony, prayers and First Nation way of life. Thank you to Hockey Manitoba for giving Carter his grounding on his journey to the NHL. We wish Carter a good road ahead in his hockey career.”

Bear is hoping to have a monster year with Everett, perhaps working his way on to the Canadian World Junior squad.

“I always want it more than other guys on the ice,” is how Bear described his on-ice approach. He wants to work on his skating and two-way game while also adding some muscle to his 6-foot, 179-pound frame.

There will be plenty of people rooting for him every step of the way — and also investing in Red Wings jerseys.

“Just to see him take these steps in his life it’s absolutely wonderful. It’s hockey that has really pulled our community along. Carter is a reflection of what hockey brings to our people,” said Bird.

“I’ve always been an Oilers fan, but I think the Wings might be my new team now.”

No other Manitobans were selected on Friday, although several will likely hear their name called today as rounds two through seven are held.

However, Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings was picked 10th-overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Like Bear, he also had an injury-shortened campaign which may have caused him to fall further down the rankings.

McQueen, who is from Saskatoon, had 20 points (10G, 10A) in 17 regular-season games with Brandon and scored once in three playoff contests. The 6-5, 197-pound centre projects as a true power forward and believes his back issues have been resolved.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg