Detroit City Wire

Not long after being selected by the Detroit Red Wings with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Carter Bear shared his thoughts on an emotional evening at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

“It feels not real,” Bear expressed to the media. “I’m speechless. I’m grateful for every moment right now. To hear my name called, it’s a different level of excitement.”

Bear, an 18-year-old forward, led the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips during the 2024-25 season with 40 goals and 82 points over 56 games. Despite sustaining an Achilles injury in March that cut his season short, he was named to the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star Team.

Reflecting on his team’s performance and his own development, Bear said, “I’m really proud of our group... We accomplished so much this year. And my play, I think I did really well. Improved a lot on my game all around.”

Over two seasons with the Silvertips, Bear has accumulated 141 points and maintained a plus-53 rating in 142 games since joining in 2022-23.

“It’s a first-class organization for sure,” Bear stated about Everett. “They helped me grow my game so much... so I can’t thank Everett enough.”

When describing his style of play, Bear noted himself as a "hard-working guy that never takes a shift off," adding that he is competitive and skilled with puck handling.

Bear's parents, Misty and Conrad, voiced their pride in their son's achievements and future prospects. “It’s awesome,” Conrad commented on Carter's hard work and affiliation with quality organizations like the Silvertips.

Misty shared that more than two dozen family members traveled to Los Angeles to witness Carter's draft moment, highlighting their supportive role throughout his career: “As a family, we all come together and support [Carter]... He thanks us, but we thank our whole team."

The draft continues through Saturday at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater with Rounds 2-7 ongoing coverage available at DetroitRedWings.com.