Oilers sign defenceman Ethan Bear in midst of orientation camp

On Friday the Oilers signed a monster in Milan Lucic, and a day laterthey signed a Bear.

Ethan Bear, a 19-year-old right shot defenceman, signed a three-year entry-level contract today.Bear wastaken in the fifth round of last year's draft.

"It feels amazing, you know I worked very hard last season and the offseason," said Bear at the 2016 Oilers orientation camp. "This feels really rewarding and to sign with Edmonton is a big honour."

Standing at 5 feet and 11 inchesBear isn't the biggest player in the Oilers system, but he put up massive numbers with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League last season.

Bear posted 65 points,19 goals and 46 assists, leading all Seattle defencemenin scoring.It was one of the Thunderbirds' best seasons on record making it all the way to the WHL finals.

"Our team really came together early in the season," said Bear. "Myself, I tried to keep consistent and work harder every day. I had a lot of areas to improve on so I think that was huge for me."

Getting their 'foot in the door'

Bear and other Oilers prospectswere at Rexall Place on Saturdayfor the start of theOilers 2016 Orientation Camp.

JessePuljujrvi, thefourth overall pick inthis year'sdraft, was there, as well assecond round pickTyler Benson, an Edmontonian who grew up cheering for the copper and blue.

"It's surreal I guess, growing up watching this team play and cheering for them and now to be a part of the organization, it's pretty special," said Benson.

"Growing up watching this team play and cheering for them and now to be a part of the organization, it's pretty special.'- Tyler Benson

Another well-known name thatattended thecamp was highly touted collegiate starDrake Caggiula.The wingersigned a two-year deal earlier this summer.

Caggiula played for theUniversity of North Dakota and put up25 goals and 26 assists in 39 games last season he also took home theMost Outstanding Player award at2016 NCAA Frozen Four tournament.

The winger said that he is excited to finally focus fully on hockeynow that hiscollegiate timeis over.

"It's going to be a little different from college hockey, everyone is bigger, faster, stronger, smarter," saidCaggiula. "There isgoing to be anadjustment period but at the same time I think I'm a quick learner."

For now though,Caggiula and the rest of the gang at the orientation camp are focusing on making impressions on Oilers officials.

"It's still an orientation camp, you're not going to make the team or get cut from the team at this camp," saidCaggiula.

"At the same time though, it's good to get your foot inthe door and show what you're capable of."