Canes defender Ethan Bear tests positive for COVID-19 in San Jose, enters NHL protocol
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ethan Bear has been placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol after testing positive for the virus in San Jose, the team said Monday.
Bear will continue to be monitored by the Hurricanes’ medical staff and follow NHL protocols, the team said.
Bear is the first Canes player to be placed in the COVID-19 protocol this season. Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said after the morning skate in San Jose that Bear “was not feeling great” and that he might be a game-time decision for the Sharks game.
Last season, Canes captain Jordan Staal tested positive after the team’s season-opener in Detroit. Other Canes players placed in the COVID-19 protocol included Jaccob Slavin, Teuvo Teravainen, Jesper Fast, Warren Foegele and Jordan Martinook.
The Hurricanes announced in September that all of its players and staff had been vaccinated for COVID-19.
The Canes traded for Bear after last season, sending Foegele to the Edmonton Oilers. Bear has been with Slavin in the top defensive pairing much of the season and has averaged 18:17 in ice time in the Canes’ 14-2-0 start.
With Bear out, Brendan Smith drew back into the lineup Monday against San Jose. Smith was paired with Ian Cole while Tony DeAngelo was used with Slavin.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 5:11 PM.
