Terrible attacks on Ethan Bear following entry in NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

On Wednesday, it was announced that Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear left the team for an indefinite period to receive care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Under the terms of the joint program, he will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

When the news was announced, most fans took to social media to wish Bear well, and sent him thoughts for a quick recovery, without wanting to know the cause behind his entry into the assistance program. However, as the days went on Wednesday and Thursday, some mean-spirited fans took to social media to call out the blue liner, hinting at why he was getting help from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and even putting into play his native origins.

Here are some of the disturbing comments that were made on his absence and entry into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program from X, formerly known as Twitter:

This is just terrible stuff being said on Bear, who is of Cree descent and was raised on the Ochapowace Nation near Whitewood, Saskatchewan.

It’s been a hard enough season for the poor defenseman and he does not need the attacks from social media during his recovery.

Bear kicked the campaign after a six-month rehab stint following shoulder surgery. Over the Christmas break, the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Capitals after deciding to move on from the Vancouver Canucks.

Last season with Vancouver, Bear put up three goals and 16 points in 61 games. This year with Washington, the defenseman has struggled and recorded just a goal and four points in 24 contests, while registering a -5 rating. Bear was also a member of the Edmonton Oilers for three seasons before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, who then flipped him the following fall to Vancouver. The Oilers selected in the fifth round, 124th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Capitals are currently fighting for a playoff spot, in a tough battle with other Eastern conference teams for the last Wild Card spot. Bear has often been a healthy scratch with Alex Alexeyev earning more ice time amid the team’s playoff push.

However, the focus at the moment for Bear is on his health and we can only wish him the best as he seeks care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Let’s hope he is staying away from social media and is focusing on his recovery.

Stay away, haters!

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