Bear was injured in Game 3 against the Kelowna Rockets, and did not return. He did not play in Game 4, and despite being severely injured, Bear warmed up for Game 5. As per sources, Bear broke his hand, but took shots in warm-ups anyway and fought through the pain to at least prepare with his teammates.
His injury and perseverance must have motivated the team, as the Thunderbirds took the Game 5 victory. They now find themselves a single win away from advancing to the WHL finals.