Carter Bear, a 19-year-old from Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, helped lead the Everett Silvertips to their first-ever Western Hockey League championship on May 15, 2026. The team secured the Ed Chynoweth Cup after a 7-2 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 5 of the championship series.
Bear, a forward who was drafted 13th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft, played a significant role throughout the playoff run. Over the course of 18 postseason games, he recorded seven goals and 15 assists for a total of 22 points.
The young athlete, whose parents Conrad and Misty are from Peguis First Nation, has become an inspirational figure for Indigenous youth. His recent success follows his participation with Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in January, where he helped the team win a bronze medal after a 6-3 victory against Finland.
With the league championship now in hand, the Everett Silvertips are set to compete in the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, British Columbia. The tournament runs from May 21 to May 31, 2026, and the team is expected to face the host Kelowna Rockets on May 27.
