BLOG: Bear feeling more comfortable

Oilers rookie defenceman Ethan Bear is now seven games into his NHL career and is starting to get a better idea of what it takes to be successful at the top level in hockey.
"Moving it quicker," he began. "On your stick, off your stick. You don't have the puck on your stick too long. You always want to pass it to your forwards as fast as you can. Moving your feet right away and once you see your first option, move it right away. You do that and everyone says it's an easy game. It feels good when you move it.
"Everyone thinks the game faster here. That's a big difference, too, but making fast decisions."
Bear added that he's started to settle into his role.
"I just feel a lot more comfortable. Just getting in, moving it and getting in your groove. You start to make plays and playing faster. It's a simple game. You play simple, move it quick," Bear said. "Offence will come. I still have a lot to learn defensively but they've been patient with me so I appreciate it."
Through seven games, Bear has two assists and has been near the 20-minute mark in three of his last four contests.
Last game and several times in his early tenure he's been paired with Oscar Klefbom and Bear feels that's a partnership that's worked very well.
"He's always in the right spots. Everyone's always an option for you and talking to you on the ice. That makes a big difference, knowing where all your teammates are on the ice. They're always talking and telling you your offence, calling out plays."