Advocacy Group Wants NHLer to Apologize for Killing BC Grizzly Bear

A bear advocacy group is urging a NHL player to apologize for illegally killing a grizzly bear as he is a role model for youngsters.

Clayton Stoner was scheduled to make a court appearance in Vancouver on Friday as he faces five charges for hunting and killing a grizzly bear without a licence. Stoner, who is from Port McNeill, plays for the Anaheim Ducks, and was charged under the Wildlife Act for killing a five-year-old grizzly bear named Cheeky. The incident was said to have taken place two years ago with Stoner charged on May 22^nd, 2013 and his first court appearance on August 7^th, 2015.

Two separate protests have been organized, one in Vancouver and the other in Anaheim, California. Protesters from Bears Matter, an advocacy group to stop the trophy killing of grizzlies in B.C., appeared at the Robson Street courthouse on Friday morning to ask Stoner to apologize for the killing and bring attention to trophy hunting in the province. Stoner did not show up to court himself, rather his lawyer was there to represent him. The case has been adjourned until November 13^th.

A second protest is scheduled to take place on October 12^th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, where the Ducks play home games. Protesters there will call on the NHL to suspend Stoner from the league for his unlawful hunt.