Carter Bear (Photo by Caroline Anne - Everett Silvertips)
Carter Bear isn’t your typical 2025 NHL Draft prospect. A forward with grit, intelligence, and raw drive, Bear has already faced adversity that would derail many others—suffering a partial Achilles tendon laceration just before the WHL playoffs. But instead of letting the injury define him, Bear used the time to reflect, grow, and prepare for what he hopes will be a career-defining year.
Now back on the ice and skating surprisingly well for someone so recently hurt, Bear is channeling his experiences into motivation. His recovery, mindset, and unique playing style have caught the eyes of fans and scouts alike. From his defensive discipline to his tenacious net-front presence, Bear is showing that he’s more than just a draft prospect—he’s a relentless competitor with a story to tell.
Returning From Injury
Injuries are a harsh reality of hockey, often arriving at the worst possible moments. For Bear, that moment came just before the playoffs with a partial Achilles tendon laceration—an injury that could derail momentum and test even the most determined athletes. But Bear approached his recovery with the same precision and mindset that he brings to his game.
“It’s pretty surprising how well I was skating,” said Bear to RG after just his second time hitting the ice since his partial laceration of his Achilles tendon. “Right now, it’s fully healed; it’s just about getting the strength back. Getting the movement around the ankle back, that’s my focus right now. I don’t want to push anything to set me back more.”
Initially, he didn’t realize how significant the injury could be. Once he understood the nature of the tendon damage, his priority became avoiding setbacks and supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
“I didn’t really know about Achilles injuries at the time. Once I stepped on my foot after I finished my check, I couldn’t put pressure. Once I heard about that type of injury, I was bummed out, but I wanted to take it with a positive attitude to not put any of that negativity on my teammates,” said Bear of when he got the news of his injury. “It was right before the playoffs and I just didn’t want to bring them down because of me, I wanted to support them throughout the playoffs.”
With help from the team’s medical staff and his own commitment to recovery, Bear returned to skating sooner than expected. Still, he emphasizes that it’s about regaining form gradually, not rushing back.
“I’m a fast-healing kid and I just maintained the idea that I was going to heal ahead of schedule and here we are,” said Bear of his rehab process. “Just about staying positive and working hard.”
When he was informed of the outpouring of support from hockey fans and scouts from across the NHL, Bear instantly lit up. He felt honored to even be a topic of conversation at a time when everyone’s eyes are on playoffs or international tournaments.
“That’s really cool,” said Bear, about the reaction of fans and scouts to his rapid recovery. “That’s so awesome to hear, and it honestly means so much that people care that much.”
Good Offense is a Strong Defense
Bear isn’t just competitive—he’s wired to despise losing. It’s a mindset he brings to every game, every practice, every battle along the boards. For him, the pain of defeat lingers far longer than the joy of winning.
“You got to hate to lose more than you like winning,” he said. “It’s a big part of losing, you need to show emotions and not just let it slide.”
He remembers a specific interview with Nathan MacKinnon that stuck with him. The Avalanche star’s raw frustration about not winning a Cup became a moment of clarity for Bear. It reminded him that caring deeply about the outcome is what separates elite competitors.
“I saw an interview of Nathan MacKinnon from a few years ago, before he won the Cup, where he said: ‘I’ve been here for 9 years and I haven’t won shit.’ I think that just shows how much he wants to win and how much he hates to lose.”
That emotion isn’t something Bear hides—it fuels him. Even when he’s not on the ice, watching a goal against stirs something inside him. It motivates him to push harder, defend better, and lead by example.
“I hate getting scored on more than I like scoring,” he said. “Even when I’m not on the ice, and we get scored on, it lights a fire under me.”
His passion is tied directly to his commitment to the team. Bear wants to be the kind of player who lays it all on the line—who battles for every inch and never mails it in. That accountability is at the core of who he is.
“I think it’s the same mindset,” Bear said. “I would want to put it out on the line for my teammates; while believing that you want it more and showing it on the ice.”
Being forced to watch from the stands during his injury taught him a lot. It gave him a new appreciation for the work coaches put in, day in and day out. It also opened his eyes to the strategic side of hockey in a way he hadn’t fully understood before.
“I learned a lot on the importance of coaching when it comes to winning,” he said. “When I was watching while injured, I really appreciated our coaches and the environment. They worked so hard for us all year, and I have a new appreciation for what they do and how they need to prepare.”
Preparing for the Draft
Bear doesn’t take any of this for granted. A few years ago, the idea of being drafted into the NHL seemed like a distant dream. But through steady work and resilience, he’s brought himself to the doorstep of that moment.
“The Draft is a dream come true, if I’m being honest,” he said. “I didn’t think anything like this would happen for me. So I’m just thankful every day to be able to play hockey, do these interviews and to be going through this process. It’s a dream come true, and I don’t take any of it for granted.”
What people don’t see are the countless hours of preparation that go into a player’s rise. For Bear, that meant sticking to the basics—shooting pucks in the garage, training with his dad, and treating every rep like it mattered. The habits built early are the ones he still leans on today.
“Growing up, I always had a shooting range in the garage,” Bear said. “I’ve been working at it since I was young with my dad, and again just before this interview. He just passes me pucks in different scenarios and different spots around the net; and it gets you ready for all situations.”
He knows that the consistency is what separates good from great. It’s not just about scoring goals in games—it’s about being ready to score in any situation, under any kind of pressure. And maybe most importantly, it’s something he still enjoys.
“The results started to show this year,” added Bear. “But it’s all about putting in the extra time. Plus, it’s pretty fun to do with your dad!”
Mental strength has also played a huge role in Bear’s development. The ability to stay calm and focused in high-stakes moments is something he’s proud of. Whether it’s tryouts, playoffs, or draft interviews, Bear believes his mindset gives him an edge.
“I have a strong mind and I think I can block out the pressure easily,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter where I go, I can perform under pressure and on pressure. It’s about how strong your mental game is, and I feel I can handle it and channel it.”
And if his play style could be summed up in a single metaphor? He didn’t hesitate.
“I’d be a wolf,” he said. “Because I’m always on the hunt, always after the puck and trying to make the play.”
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
