by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
The Pilot Mound Hockey Academy in Manitoba has become a ‘Mecca’ for indigenous hockey players. The athletes have a goal toward excellence after high school and are maintaining it now while in high school.
Colby Bear is Ojibway from the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and he is a member of the Bear Clan. “My Indian name is ‘sounding sky thunderbird,’ and that means I bring the warning before the storm,” said Colby. “My parents are Cheryl and Eric Bear and they live in Peguis First Nation, MB.”
“I play for the Pilot Mound Buffaloes Hockey Academy,” said Colby. “I am a 6-2, 195 lb. right wing forward and my number is #9. I was drafted in the MJHL bantam draft to the OCN Blizzards as well as the WHL to the Regina Pats. At the beginning of March our teams league was at playoffs in Penticton BC and the Buffaloes went all the way and won the championship.”
Soon after the championship was completed the COVID-19 pandemic began in North America and shut down the continent.
Athletes are still training during the pandemic but are in more confined spaces at home. “I’m not doing any heavy workouts with weights or dumb bells,” said Colby. “I am just doing basics such as at least 100 pushups everyday and same with sit ups. Going on runs every other day, doing exercises on the ladder, plus eating healthy foods.”
“Colby quietly goes about his business on and off the ice,” said Rod Collins, General Manager and Player Personnel Director of the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy. “He has set collegiate goals and is constantly working toward them. He has a good sense for the game and has a natural ability to score we want to continue to work with him and help create the best opportunities moving forward.”
Rick McConnell, Head Midget Varsity Coach of the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy said: “Colby Bear was one of our top players. He’s an excellent kid who comes to play every night. Another guy who quietly goes about his business both on and off the ice. He doesn’t say much but when he does, the guys listen. Colby can score goals, and he loves to score! He has a good shot and good instincts that make him a threat at all times. His skating has improved quite a bit over his last couple years here. Colby doesn’t shy away from the physical play either. He played a huge part in our club winning the Championship.”
“Colby plays a lot for us. He plays on the power play and kills penalties plus his regular shift. He is a very dependable player who I leaned a lot on. Colby is very driven and always looking to learn. He has been with us for two years and has really developed into a real solid player. He was definitely one of the top players in our league this year,” added Coach Rick.
According to a recent story in Game On, the magazine for Manitoba’s Hockey Community, there were 13 indigenous female and 23 indigenous male players who attended Pilot Mound Hockey Academy in the past five years. Colby was featured in the story by Scott Taylor: A Bright Future, in the Game On Holiday Edition 2019.
“The true value from my tribe are the Seven Teachings,” said Colby. “I carry and utilize the Seven Teachings in my daily life and as an athlete.”
“My body, mind, and spirit are with me while I play hockey and in my daily life,” said Colby. “Love is what I have for my family, community, and hockey. Respect teaches me to respect my teammates, coaches, and staff. Courage is to be able to deal with stress and anger, and to be brave. Honesty teaches me to be honest with myself, to my teammates and friends. Wisdom is to be responsible and accountable. Humility is to ask for guidance and take care of the important things. Truth teaches me to tell the truth no matter what.”
Most athletes have role models who are in their specific sport. Colby’s influences are with professional hockey players who made it to the elite level. “I would hear and see pictures of Brandon Wheat Kings star Linden McCorrister playing Junior ‘A’ hockey and then moving on to the WHL,” said Colby. “My family and I watched his team the Brandon Wheat Kings compete in the Memorial Cup finals and saw them win. The fast hockey and high competition level with the excitement really influenced me. I am also influenced by former hockey player Jordin Tootoo and his accomplishments.”
Jordin Tootoo is Inuk and played in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks.
“Hard work will really pay off for you if you put in the work,” said Colby. “Be respectful to the people trying to make you better at your sport. If you have some sort of escape for a bit to clear up and replenish do that because sometimes sports can get really overwhelming.”
Photo Credit: Kris Friesen, K’s Photography, Pilot Mound, MB
