FUTURE WATCH: Bear embracing the process in Bakersfield

EDMONTON, AB - On the blueline with the Bakersfield Condors is where Ethan Bear is navigating his sophomore season of professional hockey with an improved sense of professionalism.
The winning, exemplified in the high-flying Oilers affiliate going for its 18th win in a row on Friday, is contagious.
"It's amazing when you're playing with a team that's winning," Bear said. "Everybody wants to play and contribute in any way they can, and I think that's been the coolest thing - seeing everybody motivate and push one another."
It takes the right environment to foster a certain level of individual discipline and collective understanding, approaching every next game as the most important one of the season. It's happening in Condorstown, and Bear is one of many revolving gears in a system continually pushing the bar higher despite plenty of personal and team success.
"There are days we come in here grumpy and complaining because of how much we put in the day before, but when you're really seeing guys buckle down and give 100 percent, it's fun," Bear said. "When you see guys competing, it makes you want to compete too.
"I'm really enjoying my time here and I want to continue enjoying it."

The 21-year-old has NHL experience under his belt following his rookie season, scoring his first NHL goal and adding three assists in 18 games as an Oiler before recording a further 18 points (6G, 12A) in 37 games with the Condors.
"Going up I tried to take in and learn as much as I could and get comfortable playing in Edmonton with those good players," Bear said. "Once I had that figured out, it was a good time and definitely my favourite hockey experience so far. It was fun and I'm very thankful for the opportunity. They were nice to me when I got there, so all in all, I was happy I got that chance."
A total of 18 games for the Oilers last season hardly classifies Bear as a veteran, but the Regina, Saskatchewan product has been able to share his knowledge and experiences playing at the top level to a young, fledging Condors squad.
"Just learning how quick you have to think, being prepared and ready to go every shift and every practice rep, working out and being on time - all those little things that you don't really pay attention to in junior," Bear said. "It really does make a big difference and helps you be ready as a player and just a bit sharper."
This campaign, Bear has two goals and 18 helpers in 39 games in Bakersfield this season following an early-season injury and six games of the streak on the sidelines.

Learning to survive and thrive in the pro game hasn't all been about how he conducts himself on the ice, with the process continuing off it as well in preparation and consistency.
"There were some struggles, and I think last year I learned those quick," Bear said. "You have to turn it around and grow up as a man, so those are definitely lessons you learn being a good pro.
"The biggest thing was probably just maturing on and off the ice. Just the way pros carry themselves. Coming from junior is was just kind of 'play hockey', but now you have to take care of yourself away from the rink. You have to cook for yourself and clean for yourself, and just live like a normal adult."
The Condors entertain the Iowa Wild on Friday at Rabobank Arena with an opportunity to stretch the number to 18 for a win streak that's been the byproduct of undeniable selflessness in the locker room.
"When you get that opportunity with guys like this, it makes you care more, want to work harder and just enjoy the game more knowing this guy is going to dive head first for me like I would for them."