Oilers rookie Ethan Bear has officially arrived in the big leagues.
The 20-year-old Regina, Sask. native scored his first career NHL goal Sunday night in the team's 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Bear broke a 3-3 tie in the third period with a power-play tally, taking Connor McDavid's beautiful cross-ice pass and firing a one-timer past Ducks goaltender John Gibson.
The defenseman's goal looked like it was going to be enough to give Edmonton the win and clinch a playoff spot for the Vegas Golden Knights, but Anaheim rallied with goals from Adam Henrique and Hampus Lindholm to steal the two points (much to Vegas' dismay).
Despite the result, Bear walked away from the game with a positive outlook after finally breaking through on the offensive end.
"It's a really good feeling and at the same time, a big sigh of relief," he said after the game. "It's something you dream of your whole life."
Grin & Bear it, young man. 🐻 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/x0rzpm7WO7
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 26, 2018
Bear, who was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2015 NHL Draft by Edmonton, now has a goal and three assists in 13 games since being called up to the Oilers on Feb. 27.