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Black Bear Sports Group Adds Second Michigan Location

admin — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:29:35 +0000

Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage East Lansing Arena

East Lansing, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired the arena commonly known as Suburban Ice East Lansing, which, as part of the transaction, has been renamed the East Lansing Ice Cube (the “Arena”). The Arena features two ice sheets, a gym, and a pro shop. The Arena is home to the Lansing Hockey Club, the Lansing Skating Club, and certain Biggby Youth Hockey AAA teams. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“We’re proud to continue expansion in Michigan,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear, “We believe it is one of the top, if not the very best hockey and figure skating market in the country. Tom Anastos and the Suburban Ice team were excellent operators in Lansing and we are excited to continue to operate a first-class facility for the community.”

The Arena was built in 1999 and is located next to Michigan State University. Lansing Hockey Club, Lansing Skating Club, Biggby Youth AAA Hockey, and existing adult, high school and learn to play programs will continue to be the largest users of ice at the Arena. All existing programming will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink.

“We are stepping into a community with a rich skating and hockey history,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “Many youth and adult skaters are proud to call this Arena their home ice and we are excited to be a part of the next chapter of developing the Greater Lansing area’s next skaters.”

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or underperforming facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 35 facilities across the United States with 66 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 34 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League), and seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Black Bear Sports Group Enters Into Agreement with P.A.L. Ice Hockey

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:44:52 +0000

Rockville, MD – An affiliate of Black Bear Sport Group, Inc. has entered into an agreement to operate the youth hockey club P.A.L. Ice Hockey. P.A.L. has 10 Tier I youth hockey teams, 13 Tier II hockey teams and 3 junior teams and has perennially been one of the premier youth hockey organizations on Long Island, NY. Ron Kinnear will continue to oversee the Midget/Junior portion of the club and Mark Dubeau will continue to oversee the youth portion of the club. With the addition of P.A.L., Black Bear now operates 33 youth hockey clubs including 10 AAA organizations. P.A.L. will continue to operate out of its existing rinks including the Rinx at Hauppauge, Northwell Ice Arena and Iceworks in Syosset.

“We are thrilled to have P.A.L. join the Black Bear family of teams,” said Thomas Palamara, Executive Director of PAL. “Our Board has decided that Black Bear has the resources to grow P.A.L. into one of the best programs in the Northeast and we are extremely excited for this special opportunity” “P.A.L. is a storied program with over 50 years of success on and off the ice and it is a pure honor to bring this organization into the Black Bear family and help guide and lead it into the future,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “We believe Long Island is a critical part of our operating strategy and we hope that this will be the beginning of Black Bears growth strategy on the Island and overall in New York.”

About P.A.L Jr. Islanders
P.A.L. Jr. Islanders is the premier youth hockey club on Long Island, NY. Pride in Athletics for Life represents the message P.A.L. has been delivering to youth hockey players and their families since 1975. P.A.L. has over 450 travel ice hockey players from Mite through Midget, and all levels of Tier II and Tier III juniors including a franchise in the prestigious USPHL NCDC. P.A.L. is a proud member of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation and is part of the Black Bear Sports Group ladder of development including teams starting at the 8U level extending through every junior league including the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC and Eastern Hockey League.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 34 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 33 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey, two tournament businesses, Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League and seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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cfsbank to Rename Black Bear Sports Group Rostraver Facility

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:43:57 +0000

Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon, PA will now be known as cfsbank Event Center

Belle Vernon, Pa – Today, Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. announced a new partnership and brand name for its recently acquired Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon, PA property. The facility will now be known as cfsbank Event Center.

“The venue provides tremendous opportunity and enhancement to the quality of life in the Mon Valley community that we so proudly serve, “said cfsbank President and Chief Executive Officer, John Gill. “We admire what Black Bear Sports Group is doing to revitalize sports and entertainment facilities and are thrilled to be a part of the future of cfsbank Event Center.”

The cfsbank Event Center has tremendous versatility to host so many different event types for our community” said Danielle Maurer, Chief Retail Officer, “With a main arena that seats up to 2,500, a year round banquet center, meeting rooms, party rooms, a 7 acre outdoor area supported by a fully equipped restaurant, sports pub, concessions and catering kitchen there is capability for concerts, shows, sporting events, trade shows, expos, corporate and community events and so much more……the potential is unlimited, it’s very exciting to be part of it”.

“We are proud to be working with a true community partner like cfsbank” said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO Murry Gunty. “We look forward to providing Mon Valley with a diversified array of affordable family entertainment and quality programming for years to come”

About cfsbank Event Center – cfsbank Event Center, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose venue located in Belle Vernon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also known as the Mon Valley. The venue measures 65,000 square feet and includes a 2,500-seat arena, a banquet center, meeting rooms, party rooms and a 7-acre outdoor area that is host to many concerts, shows, sporting events, trade shows, expos and corporate or community events that are supported by a fully equipped restaurant, sports pub, concessions, and catering kitchen. The cfsbank Event Center offers a full array for programs, drop-in programs, leagues, themed skating events, public skating, birthdays parties and is the home of The Mon Valley Youth Hockey Association, Penn West-California University Hockey, Ringgold High School Hockey, Elizabeth Forward High School Hockey, Thomas Jefferson High School Hockey and Foundry Adult Hockey.

About cfsbank – cfsbank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Charleroi, PA. It has been an independent and locally managed mutual savings bank since 1935. cfsbank operates 10 offices, spanning four counties including Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. With a team of approximately 100 people, cfsbank is committed to exceeding the expectations of our customers and the growth and development of the markets they serve.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. – Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 34 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 31 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey, two tournament businesses, Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Delaware Ducks Youth Hockey Club Appoints New Hockey Director

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:43:22 +0000

Newark, Delaware – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) Patriot Ice Center is pleased to announce Sean Cannon as the new Hockey Director for the Delaware Ducks Youth Hockey Club. Sean’s coaching experience runs the gamut from mite to the collegiate and junior levels, and everything in between. Sean, a highly respected teacher of the game with Level 4 USA Hockey coaching certification, coached the Valley Forge (PA) Minutemen of the Tier 1 Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) from 2015-19, and before that served as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Titans and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), along with stints coaching the West Chester University women’s and University of Iowa men’s collegiate (ACHA) programs. Sean joins Delaware Ducks from the Jr. Blue Hens where he ran the Midget program.

“Our mission for Ducks is to continue the long-term growth and unity of youth hockey in Delaware,” said Sean Cannon. “We will strive to raise the standards across the board in our culture, coaching and environment, and ensure the best possible experience for each player.”
“Sean is, without a doubt, one of the top coaches in the area and we are so lucky to have him join us to lead our program,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “With Sean in charge, we have no doubt that we will change the face of hockey in the great state of Delaware.”
Tryout information for the 2023-24 season can be found on the Patriot Ice Center website and are summarized below.

2023-24 DELAWARE DUCKS TRYOUT INFORMATION
Wednesday, March 22
8U- 6:40-7:40 p.m.
10U- 7:50-8:50 p.m.
12U- 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 23
8U- 5:40-6:40 p.m.
10U- 6:50-7:50 p.m.
12U- 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Monday, April 10
14U- 5:40-6:40 p.m.
16U- 6:50-7:50 p.m.
18U- 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 12
14U- 5:50-6:50 p.m.
16U- 7:30-8:30 p.m.
18U- 8:40-9:40 p.m.

Monday, April 17**
14U- 5:40-6:40 p.m.
16U- 6:50-7:50 p.m.
18U- 8:00-9:00 p.m.
**If Necessary

About The Patriot Ice Center– The Patriot Ice Center is in Newark, Delaware, approximately 44 miles south of Philadelphia, PA. along the I-95 corridor. The arena houses two sheets of ice (one NHL and one Olympic-sized rink), a snack bar, pro shop and two fitness training spaces. The arena is home to the Delaware Ducks Youth Hockey Club, which competes in the Atlantic Hockey Federation, as well as local high schools Delaware Military Academy (DMA), A.I. DuPont High School and Hodgson Vocational Technical School.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.- Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 34 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 31 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey, two tournament businesses, Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Biggby Coffee Hockey Club and Ann Arbor Ice Cube Announce Youth Hockey Partnership

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:38:29 +0000

Club to relocate to Ann Arbor and operate boys and girls AAA Tier 1, Tier 2 Travel & Tier 3 House Hockey

Ann Arbor, MI – The Ann Arbor Ice Cube (AAIC) has been named the new home of the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club beginning Spring 2023. The new club will offer youth hockey teams for all youth players at every skill level, Instructional, House (T3), Travel (T2) and AAA (T1). Before this merger, Biggby rostered both boys’ and girls’ team at the AAA- T1 level. With this new partnership, all levels of youth hockey in Ann Arbor will be rostered under the Biggby Hockey Club name. As part of a new partnership between AAIC’s new operator, Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG), and the Biggby club, the arena has hired full time staff to bolster its year-round hockey programs and offerings. Beginning with the 2023-24 season, players rostered under Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association (AAAHA) Travel and House teams will roster under Biggby Coffee Hockey Club. AAIC remains the home ice arena of Ann Arbor residents and current AAAHA players. Current players will be directed to AAA and Travel tryouts or House registrations. Peggy Costello, current Executive Director of AAAHA will transition to a new role as Director of Hockey Operations for AAIC and the Biggby Coffee Youth Club, and together with Tom Berry, Executive Director of Biggby AAA Hockey, will lead all hockey operations for the club and the rink.

The expanded Biggby Coffee Hockey Club is projected to have 600+ members comprising of Learn to Play Programs, Introductory Leagues, and all three levels (AAA, Travel, and House) of boys and girls hockey providing the community with hockey opportunities for all ages and skill levels. New jerseys will be provided for all members. Other key highlights of the partnership include:

Exposure for Tier 2 Travel & House players to Tier 1 coaches and trainers
Full-time, professional staff managing year-round hockey programs
Consolidation improves the player pool and consistency of level of play
Tier 1 advancement opportunities in the same arena for boys and girls
Increased off-season programming and skill development opportunities at the rink
Black Bear Sports Group’s Free Gear “Rookie Program” for first time players
For players with college hockey ambition, access and exposure to Black Bear’s affiliated Junior Hockey clubs: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Maryland Black Bears (NAHL), Mercer Chiefs (NCDC) and Team Maryland (EHL)

Coaches: 2023-24 prospective coaches for AAA, Travel and House should complete the applications HERE (link also on AAAHA and Biggby websites).

FAQ:

Which rink will teams play out of? Both Ann Arbor Ice Cube and Yost. Certain Tier 1
boys teams may use other rinks in District 6.
I played for AAAHA at the Cube this season, do I have a spot in Biggby? Yes, we are projecting ice for at least the same amount of AAAHA teams from this season. All AAAHA players seeking AAA Tier 1 or Tier 2 Travel spots should attend Spring tryouts in March and Fall tryouts in May, and AAAHA players seeking House programming should register for Spring and Fall programming when sign-ups become available. Links will be emailed to returning players and also posted on both the rink’s website and Biggby Hockey’s website.
What are limited travel or “house hockey” options? The club and the rink will offer the same types of introductory programs, leagues, and House / “No-Cuts” hockey as AAAHA has in the past.
What happens to AAAHA? As all youth hockey club operations shift to the rink AAAHA will go through a restructuring to continue its mission of supporting youth hockey in the Ann Arbor community. AAAHA will be in touch with its membership in the coming days and weeks regarding this transition.
What is the difference between AAA Tier 1 and Tier 2 Travel? AAA Tier 1 is a larger time and financial commitment for players and families involving more games and more travel than Tier 2 Travel or House hockey. Program offerings and pricing for each Tier, level and age group will be released shortly from the rink.
Which leagues will Biggby play in? Travel and House teams will continue to play in the same leagues as AAAHA: LCAHL (Little Caesar’s Amateur Hockey League) and MGHL (Michigan Girls Hockey League). AAA Tier 1 teams will play local and showcase schedules to be announced prior to tryouts.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty
and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 34 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 31 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey, two tournament businesses, Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

About Tom Berry, Executive Director of Biggby AAA Hockey – Tom Berry has been involved in Hockey since 2001 coaching from the mite house level to coaching and scouting in Junior Hockey. He has served as the Director of WMEHC now Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey since 2007. He has been a Director at MAHA for the past five years. Contact at: tberry@biggbycoffeehockeyclub.com

About Peggy Costello, Incoming Director of Hockey Operations – Peggy brings 15 years of experience in youth hockey operations, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association for the past 7 years. Peggy also currently serves as a District Director for the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association. Contact at: pcostello@biggbycoffeehockeyclub.com

About Biggby Coffee Hockey Club – Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey which is the sole sponsor of WMEHC, a Tier 1 affiliate in Michigan, was started 15 years ago and has made its purpose to develop and advance Michigan players to the Highest level. Biggby AAA has placed over 100 boys in Girls in Junior and college hockey respectively making it one of the most successful youth hockey programs in Michigan. Our mission is to provide Elite youth boys and girls hockey players in West Michigan and the out-state communities the opportunity to maximize his/her potential. The West Michigan Elite Hockey Club will provide a competitive
learning atmosphere where players, coaches, families, and organizations are committed to long- term development.

About Ann Arbor Ice Cube – Ann Arbor Ice Cube, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-sheet facility located in Ann Arbor, Michigan also known as A2Ice3. The arena measures around 160,000 square feet and includes two NHL-sized ice rinks and one OLY-sized ice rink. The facility has multiple tenants as well as a concessions stand. The arena provides a home for various ice skating and hockey programs, regular public skating sessions, the Ann Arbor Adult Hockey League, and is the home arena for the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club, Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, Perani’s Hockey World, Michigan Medicine MedSport, Advantage Strength & Conditioning, Huron HS Hockey Team, Pioneer HS Hockey Team, Saline HS Hockey Team, Father Gabriel Richard/Greenhills HS Hockey Team, EMU Club Hockey Team, and Wolverine Sports Club Speed Skating. For more, go to www.a2ice3.com.

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Black Bear Sports Group Assumes Control of Team Maryland Youth Club

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:39:13 +0000

Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear enters into long-term lease

Rockville, MD – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a long-term lease to operate the AAA youth club, Team Maryland. Team Maryland has seven AAA youth hockey teams and has perennially been the premier youth hockey organization in the DMV region. Team Maryland previously had entered into a partnership with Black Bear regarding Black Bear’s junior hockey clubs in the area, Team Maryland EHL and the Maryland Black Bears. This lease formalizes the overall relationship and puts Black Bear in charge of the day-to-day operations of the entire club. Michael R. Weiss, former President of Team Maryland, will remain as scheduling director and will serve as a resource to Black Bear going forward. Black Bear is also thrilled to announce that, pending all appropriate immigration documentation, Robbie Murden, has been hired as Team Maryland’s Hockey Director and 15U Head Coach beginning with the 2023-24 hockey season. Robbie will also be the Assistant General Manager of all Black Bear Junior Hockey including Assistant General Manager of the Youngstown Phantoms of the U.S.H.L. Robbie joins team Maryland from the Windy City/Tri City Storm organization where coached and served as Director of Player Personnel for nationally ranked Midget teams. In addition, Robbie held roles in player personnel, scouting and drafting for the Tri City Storm of the U.S.H.L. Previously, Robbie was one of the founders, coaches and the Director of Player Personnel for Bishop Kearney Selects, as well as Midget coach at Selects Hockey Academy where their 18U team won the 2018-19 National Championship. Over the past 5 years, Robbie has coached teams to 7 state titles, regional titles and multiple teams to National Tournament appearances. Over the past 5 seasons in AAA, Robbie has recruited, coached and fostered in the development of 8 NHL draft picks, 47 NCAA Division 1 commits, 55 USHL/NTDP selections and 12 players who have gone on to play in the OHL, WHL or QMJHL. Team Maryland will remain headquartered at Rockville and Cabin John with the 18U Prep Team solely operating out of Piney Orchard Ice Arena. With the addition of Team Maryland, Black Bear now operates 29 youth hockey clubs including 8 AAA organizations.

Black Bear is also pleased to announce that former NHL player and current Maryland Black Bears Assistant Coach, Pete LeBoutillier, will take over as 18U Head Coach next season, and Mike Donnellan, current 15U coach, will assume the title of Director of Operations and head coach of the 16U team next season. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“Twenty years ago my father and I started Team Maryland from scratch and are proud of the work we have done to build it into one of the best Tier I organizations in the country.” said Michael R. Weiss, former President of Team Maryland. “We made this decision because Black Bear has the resources, staff and relationships to continue to strengthen the club and to elevate the experience for our families even further.”

“Based on the foundation built by Bob and Mike Weiss as well as Robbie joining for the fall, we believe Team Maryland is poised to become one of the elite programs in the country.” said Murry N. Gunty, CEO and Founder of Black Bear Sports Group. “My children both played for Team Maryland and I have a personal attachment to make sure the club remains in good hands in the future. I wish to thank Bob and Mike for this opportunity.”

“Robbie will make a tremendous addition to our junior hockey staff and will provide incredible leadership for Team Maryland,” said Andrew Goldman, President of Black Bear Junior Hockey. “I wish to thank Tony MacAulay and Matt Reid for the work they have done for Team Maryland and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 34 arenas across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 29 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey league in the U.S.), two tournament businesses, Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Black Bear Sports Group Acquires 34th Ice Arena Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear acquires Newington Ice Arena

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:37:56 +0000

Newington, CT – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired the Newington Ice Arena in Newington, CT (the “Arena”). The Arena features two ice sheets, a pro shop and snack bar, a golf simulator and multiple leased locker rooms and offices. The Arena is also home to many figure skaters and recreational skaters in the area along with numerous high schools and regional tournaments due to its close proximity to Hartford, CT. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

Black Bear will begin a strong relationship with the Connecticut Chiefs and the Central Connecticut Youth Hockey Association, the dominant youth hockey programs in the Arena. The Connecticut Chiefs, an independently owned Junior and Tier I Youth Hockey program and long-term tenant at the Newington Ice Arena will remain in the arena as an anchor tenant. The Chiefs will be joining the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”) for the 2023-24 season and leaving the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (“AYHL”). “We’re excited for the next chapter with Black Bear,” said Brandon Johnson, owner of the Chiefs. “We know that Black Bear plans to improve the facility, which translates to better experiences for our Connecticut Chiefs players and everyone who uses the building. We’re excited to see what Black Bear Sports Group achieves moving forward at Newington Arena.”

The Chiefs membership in the THF further consolidates our league’s leading position in the Mid-Atlantic. said Murry N. Gunty, CEO and Founder of Black Bear Sports Group. “I have personally known Brandon for a long time. He has great integrity and operates his Chiefs at the highest level. We are lucky to have his club as they will make a fantastic addition to the core group of elite youth clubs in the THF.”

Black Bear is also pleased to announce that Central Connecticut Youth Hockey Association will remain as a long-term tenant. “Central is one of the largest and strongest clubs in the state,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President of Black Bear. “The club has elite leadership and a rich tradition in the area and we are excited to be their rink partner moving forward.” Central has accepted an invitation to join the Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) as a showcase league partner for 2023-24 season at the AA level and will leave the EJEPL.

Black Bear owns and operates five ice rinks in Connecticut with eight sheets of ice of which four arenas are located in the Greater Hartford area comprising 7 sheets of ice.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 35 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 27 youth hockey clubs, four youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National Girls Hockey League), four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, the Eastern Hockey League, and the nation’s largest adult hockey organization, Foundry Adult Hockey and Defender Hockey Tournaments.

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Black Bear Sports Group Expands to Michigan, Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage Ann Arbor Ice Cube

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:36:58 +0000

Ann Arbor, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has taken over the operations of the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, in Ann Arbor, MI (the “Arena”) effective November 2022. The Arena features three ice sheets, a gym, a medical practice within the University of Michigan medical network, and a pro shop. The Arena is home to the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, the Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association and one of the largest adult hockey leagues in the state. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“Michigan is a market we have been exploring and believe is ripe for consolidation both at the rink and club level,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “This state continues to produce some of the top talent in both hockey and figure skating and we are thrilled to bring our leagues and tournament business to Ann Arbor.”

The Ann Arbor Ice Cube was built in 1995. It was previously the headquarters of USA Hockey.

“Part of Black Bear’s mission at the Arena will be to preserve and extend the viability of this arena for the long-term,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “We have acquired many rinks that are 25-30 years-old that are still so important to the community but also have aging equipment that requires specialty knowledge. We have a strong operating team and look forward to managing the Cube long-term.”

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 33 facilities across the United States with 62 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 25 youth hockey clubs, four youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National Girls Hockey League), one tournament business, and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL-NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Black Bear Sports Group to Acquire 32nd Ice Arena

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:37:28 +0000

Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to acquire Klick Lewis Arena

Annville, PA – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Klick Lewis Arena in Annville, PA (the “Arena”). The Agreement is subject to normal course closing conditions. The Arena features three ice sheets, a bar/restaurant, pro shop and a dedicated gym for its players. The transaction also includes a partnership with the Palmyra Black Knights (“PBK”), the elite Tier I and Tier II youth hockey program. The Arena is also home to many figure skaters and recreational skaters in the area along with numerous tournaments due to its proximity to Hershey, PA. The Sellers were Harold and Chad Weaver, Founders of H.R. Weaver Building Systems and the creators/developers of the Arena. Antoine Bergeron, hockey director and the architect of the growth of the Palmyra Black Knights, will continue to lead the club and will assume a senior role with Black Bear. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“It has been a great honor to build and own Klick Lewis as it is an important part of our community,” said Chad Weaver, Owner of H.R. Weaver Building Systems and owner of Klick Lewis Arena. “When we first conceived of the idea for the rink, we never could have imagined it would become such a popular and successful venue. While it is a bittersweet sale, we believe that our rink and all the local families will be in good hands with Black Bear.”
“Klick Lewis fits in perfectly with our other Hershey regional rinks and the Palmyra Black Knights fit in perfectly with our leagues, so this was a location that we have long coveted,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “More importantly, the hidden gem in the transaction is Antoine Bergeron – he is among the best in the industry and we look forward to bringing the full strength of our organization to help him and his team grow PBK into a regional powerhouse.”
“I am excited to stay on board and continue to develop players in the PBK program and support Black Bear’s overall hockey business,” said Antoine Bergeron. “I believe that with Black Bears ascension program including its USHL and NAHL teams along with its elite level leagues that PBK will continue to field elite level teams and grow its already strong presence in Central PA.”

“Our mission is to continue growing hockey and ice sports in the Mid-Atlantic and are thrilled to add another Tier I franchise that we can support through our numerous junior team franchises such as the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President of Black Bear. “Under Antoine’s leadership, we also look forward to growing our league and tournament businesses in Hershey, Central PA and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic and expect to host numerous boys and girls events in Klick Lewis.”

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 32 facilities across the United States with 57 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 25 youth hockey clubs, four youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National Girls Hockey League) and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.

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Black Bear Sports Group Acquires 31st Ice Arena

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:36:21 +0000

Rostraver Ice Garden, Belle Vernon, PA becomes the 5th ice arena in the Western PA/Ohio Region

Belle Vernon, PA – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon, PA. The Arena features one NHL sized ice sheet, a sports pub, concessions and catering operation and a variety of meeting and banquet sized spaces.

“We are excited to be adding Rostraver Ice Garden as part of our Western PA/Ohio market growth plan,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “Jim Murphy has done an amazing job serving the Mon Valley community citizens quality of life for many years. We are honored to be able to carry on the rich tradition of programs and events that Jim and his team
have established into the future.”

“Rostraver Ice Garden is a great compliment to our continued planned Western PA/Ohio market expansion,” said Ryan Scott, Black Bear Sports Group VP of Operations. “Together with Printscape Arena at Southpointe in Canonsburg, Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont, Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington and Deep Freeze Ice Arena in Youngstown, the official practice facility of our own USHL Youngstown Phantoms, our Western PA/Ohio team is poised to extend our mission to provide quality programming that promotes physical activity/ healthy lifestyles and initiatives that are focused on growing ice sports participation.”

About Rostraver Ice Garden – Rostraver Ice Garden, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose facility located in Belle Vernon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also known as the Mon Valley. The arena measures 65,000 square feet and includes one NHL-sized ice rink that is converted to a dry floor event center in the spring and summer that is host to many alternative events, shows and exhibits. The facility has multiple banquet spaces/ party rooms and a catering kitchen as well as a full-service sports pub and concessions stand. The arena provides the community with various ice skating and hockey programs, regular public skating sessions and birthday parties, and is the hockey home arena for the Mon Valley Thunder Youth Hockey, PennWest California University Hockey Club, Ringgold High School, Elizabeth Forward High School and Thomas Jefferson High School. For more, go to www.rostravericegarden.com.

About Black Bear Sports Group – Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams and youth sports events. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in North America, Black Bear’s footprint totals 31 facilities across the United States with 56 sheets of indoor ice, 5 indoor turf fields/non-ice surfaces, 24 youth hockey clubs, 6 hockey leagues & tournament businesses (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey
Federation, National Girls Hockey League, Defender Hockey Tournaments, Foundry Adult Hockey) and 4 Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and Eastern Hockey League. For more, go to www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

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