ABOUT
Black Bear Sports Group is dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding
access to the sport at all levels. Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey supporters, we provide a
home for players, families, and fans by operating ice rinks, managing youth and junior hockey
leagues, and creating development opportunities for athletes.
We believe rinks are more than just buildings—they’re the heart of the hockey community.
Through thoughtful rink management, structured competition, and a commitment to player growth, we ensure that the game remains accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. Whether it’s keeping rinks open, providing high-quality leagues, or offering direct pathways for advancement, our focus is always on supporting the sport and all those who share our love of the game.
Beyond hockey, our rinks also serve as hubs for figure skating and other ice sports, ensuring
that all skaters have a place to train, compete, and enjoy time on the ice.
Committed to Hockey’s Future
At Black Bear, we don’t just manage rinks—we cultivate opportunities for players to grow and compete. We proudly operate some of the nation’s top youth and junior hockey leagues and
teams, including the Atlantic Hockey Federation (AHF), Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF), and
Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF), providing structured and competitive environments
for athletes at all levels.
For players looking to take the next step, our junior hockey teams offer pathways to collegiate
and professional hockey. Through Black Bear TV, we also expand visibility for players and
teams, allowing families and scouts to follow the action.
Our Core Values
- Community: Built by hockey people, for hockey people. We are dedicated to the
athletes, families, and fans who make this sport great. - Commitment: We work to sustain and strengthen hockey communities for generations
to come. - Resilience: We step in where others won’t, keeping rinks open and stable so that local programs can thrive.
- Opportunity: We expand access to competitive hockey through leagues, training programs, and structured player pathways.
- Growth: We focus on advancing hockey at all levels by improving facilities, increasing access, and providing better development opportunities.
OUR MISSION
Black Bear Sports Group exists to protect, strengthen, and expand access to hockey and ice
sports. By preserving rinks, supporting player development, and fostering strong skating
communities, we ensure that hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports remain accessible,
competitive, and thriving for generations to come.
OUR HISTORY
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a Bethesda, MD based private company that was founded in 2015 and is led by CEO, Murry Gunty. Mr. Gunty is a lifelong hockey fan who founded Black Bear based on combining his turnaround experience in a broad array of industries with his passion for the game of hockey. Black Bear's goal is to save older rinks by investing capital to bring their facilities up to modern standards and provide great programming for its hockey and figure skating communities.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Focus on arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics
Invest capital to ensure we have the highest quality facilities
Hire best in class operators to manage our arenas
Manage our hockey clubs to provide convenient, high-level competition at an affordable price
Ready and able to invest and hold for a very long-term horizon
Operate primarily in the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and specifically where there is a strong NHL presence
Support all of our constituents including figure skating, mens' and womens’ leagues, public skating, high school athletes and our learn-to-play programs