2021 - Black Bear Sports Group

Black Bear Sports Group, Hartford Jr. Wolfpack hire Bob Ferraris as Hockey Director of Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA and Champions Ice Center

admin — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:22:23 +0000

Coach Ferraris to remain as Varsity Head Coach of Trinity-Pawling Boys Hockey

Cromwell, CT – Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Coach Bobby Ferraris as the incoming Hockey Director of the Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA Youth Hockey Club. Coach Ferraris will join Bob Crawford and the current Jr. Wolfpack staff to begin building teams for the 2022-23 season and to launch elite spring and summer training programs and tournament teams. Black Bear previously announced the acquisition of Champions Skating Center and Bolton Ice Palace from Mr. Crawford, as well as the appointment of Mr. Crawford to its Board of Directors. Black Bear has also appointed Coach Ferraris to the scouting staff for its junior hockey franchises in the USHL (Youngstown Phantoms) and NAHL (Maryland Black Bears).

Coach Ferraris brings an accomplished hockey pedigree to the Cromwell, CT-based Jr. Wolfpack AAA program. He spent 12 years coaching NCAA Division I hockey, most recently serving as the Associate Head Coach of Mercyhurst University before relocating to New York in 2015 to serve as Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Hockey team for the Trinity-Pawling School, where he will remain the Head Coach. Coach Ferraris has established the Pride as a consistent contender in the Founders League, which is widely considered to be the premier prep school hockey league in the United States; this success included a championship in 2018. Coach Ferraris has also effectively developed his players and helped them earn college roster spots. In 2021-2022, Trinity-Pawling featured freshmen alumni on three Division I rosters and seven Division III rosters. In 2022-2023, another three Trinity-Pawling hockey alumni will be Division I freshmen at Army, Boston University, and Merrimack College. “I’m thrilled to join Bob Crawford and Black Bear Sports Group to grow the Jr. Wolfpack AAA club and expand youth hockey programming at Champions Skating Center,” said Bobby Ferraris. “Black Bear’s ladder of development with its internally owned junior hockey franchises is unparalleled in our industry. With a direct line to our USHL and NAHL coaching staff, movement to and from the USHL and NAHL clubs will provide our Jr. Wolfpack players with every opportunity available to develop into exceptional players prepared for college hockey.”

“We’ve graduated over 200 players to college hockey. Player development and advancement will continue to be our priority at the Jr. Wolfpack,” said Bob Crawford, current program director. “The addition of Bobby to our staff is exciting for our organization. He’s an excellent coach and brings new energy and ideas to our club.”

Coach Ferraris is a New England native. He played his minor hockey growing up on Cape Cod and captained the St. Anselm NCAA varsity team before turning professional in 1997.

“Bobby is an elite coach and recruiter that will make a tremendous impact in both Connecticut and our overall Tier I player ascension program to our junior teams and on to college or pro,” said Murry Gunty, CEO and Founder of Black Bear. “We are committed to building a team of elite coaches throughout our ice arenas to expand and support youth hockey in the United States.”

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 29 facilities across the United States with 53 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 17 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League) and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

About Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA
The Jr. Wolfpack has graduated over 200 student-athletes to various NCAA/ACHA hockey programs, and its success is driven by our unparalleled commitment to both on and off ice skill development, academic achievement, good citizenship and self-respect. The program has fielded boys and girls teams from U12 to Junior. The Jr. Wolfpack’s primary objectives are building the foundation of each player’s success through the development of technical hockey skills, knowledge of the game, understanding of the role of fitness and nutrition, core hockey values, and leadership attributes. Our student-athletes live by the code “Have Pride in the Pack” following our simple motto of the 3 Ps: “Play with Pride; Prepare with Pride; and Present Yourself with Pride,” which is part of our roadmap to success.

The post Black Bear Sports Group, Hartford Jr. Wolfpack hire Bob Ferraris as Hockey Director of Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA and Champions Ice Center first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Black Bear Sports Group, Hartford Jr. Wolfpack hire Bob Ferraris as Hockey Director of Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA and Champions Ice Center appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Black Bear Sports Group Launches Largest Co-Ed Adult Learn to Play Hockey Program in the U.S.A.

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:23:34 +0000

Foundry Adult Hockey – Get in the Game Registration Opens Today

Bethesda, MD – Today, Black Bear Sports Group’s most recent vertically integrated program expansion, Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A., is proud to announce that registration is open for GET IN THE GAME, a new co-ed learn to play hockey program for the adult who has never played hockey before.

GET IN THE GAME is open to adults 18+ who have never played hockey before. The lesson program will combine on-ice skills sessions with instructional games. During each session, participants will learn the fundamental skills of ice hockey, including how to skate if they’ve never done so before. In addition, they will get a chance to play the greatest game on Earth.

“We continue to use our extraordinary people and facilities to help grow the game of hockey and improve access for all our families and players of all ages,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. “Adult hockey is a critical part of our business and I am thrilled that we continue to focus on improving the experience for all our adult players.”

“Never played hockey before and thought the game has passed you by, it’s never too late to GET IN THE GAME”, said Scott Branovan, head of Sales and Marketing for Black Bear Sports Group. Inc. and the creator of GET IN THE GAME. “We look forward to rolling out GET IN THE GAME across our entire portfolio.”

About Foundry Adult Hockey – Foundry Adult Hockey is the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A. With Foundry Adult Hockey, you can Play Your Game. As a hockey enthusiast, you can learn the game and or play the game whenever you want, wherever you want, and at any level you want. For more information, www.foundryadulthockey.com/getinthegame

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 27 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 16 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League) and three Junior “A”
hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

The post Black Bear Sports Group Launches Largest Co-Ed Adult Learn to Play Hockey Program in the U.S.A. first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Black Bear Sports Group Launches Largest Co-Ed Adult Learn to Play Hockey Program in the U.S.A. appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Black Bear Sports Group to Acquire 28th and 29th Ice Arenas

admin — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 16:19:53 +0000

Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear acquires Two Hartford Area Ice Rinks

Hartford, CT – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, CT and Bolton Ice Palace in Bolton, CT (the “Arenas”). The Agreement is subject to normal course closing conditions. The Arenas collectively feature two NHL ice sheets, one Olympic ice sheet, a full-service gym, and a pool. The transaction also includes the purchase of the Hartford Jr. Wolfpack, the elite Tier I and Tier II youth hockey program. The Arenas are also home to the Whalers Youth Hockey Association & Eastern Connecticut Stars along with many figure skaters and recreational skaters in the area. The Sellers were Alan Lazowski, Founder and CEO of Laz Parking and former NHL player, Bob Crawford. Mr. Crawford will assume a senior role with Black Bear including becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Black Bear, the largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“It has been my great honor to partner with Bob Crawford over the past 30 years and watch his passion and love for the game and his commitment to teach young men and women the art of the game,” said Alan Lazowski. “I am thrilled that Bob will continue his life’s work and legacy with Black Bear, the best and most prolific rink owner and operator in the United States.”

“We are excited to expand our Connecticut presence with this transaction, as Connecticut is such a strong hockey market,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “More importantly, I am thrilled to have Bob Crawford join our organization to help us continue to build out our hockey business. Bob brings deep hockey experience from both his distinguished NHL career and his extensive youth hockey experience including leading leagues, representing his district and serving in leadership capacities at the highest levels of hockey. It is an honor to have him on board.”

“I am excited to stay on board and continue to develop players in the Jr. Wolfpack program and support Black Bear’s overall hockey business,” said ex-NHLer Bob Crawford. “Over the years we have had numerous offers to sell the rinks, but both Alan and I believe that Black Bear will be the best home for our families and our buildings and a great place for my wife, Kathleen, and I to continue to make a large impact on both our community and the sport that we both love. Bolton Ice Palace and Champions Skating Center will continue to thrive under Black Bear’s ownership.”

“Our mission is to continue growing hockey and ice sports in Connecticut 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 Bob’s leadership, we also look forward to growing our league and tournament businesses in Connecticut and the rest of the Northeast and expect to host numerous boys and girls events in our rinks.”

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 27 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 16 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League) and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

The post Black Bear Sports Group to Acquire 28th and 29th Ice Arenas first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Black Bear Sports Group to Acquire 28th and 29th Ice Arenas appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Palmer Imaging Arena Holds Grand Re-Opening Event

admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:20:31 +0000

Delmont, Pa – Today, Palmer Imaging Arena held a Grand Re-Opening event, celebrating the new naming sponsorship with Palmer Products Imaging. Other announcements that were shared at the event included; new Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. ownership/management, UPMC ice rink naming rights sponsorship, and Happy Badgers Sports Pub unveiling.

Keynote speakers for the event were Leslie Rossi, Pennsylvania State Representative, Katie Holmgren, Director, Program Services, USA HockeyKeith Wassel, Owner, Happy Badgers Sports Pub, Scott Branovan, Director of Sales and Marketing/Regional Business Manager for Western PA, Black Bear Sports Group, Brian Hagen PhD, P.T., Sports Medicine Physical Therapist, UPMC and John Dziak, Co-Owner of Palmer Product Imaging and Owner and CEO of Printscape Imaging, Inc. The ribbon cutting was led by Dan DeBone, Executive Director, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.

Palmer Products Imaging owner Jeff Miller stated, “We are proud to partner with such a positive community asset. Palmer Imaging Arena is all about providing the citizens of the Delmont area a multitude of participatory sports programming as well as affordable family entertainment that promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles without burdening taxpayers.” Miller added, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to display our branding products throughout the facility and to do our part toward our joint mission of providing the ultimate customer experience.”
“Palmer Products Imaging is an amazing group of people to work with and their products and services are second to none as prominently displayed throughout the facility.” said Black Bear Founder and CEO Murry Gunty. “We are extremely proud to carry this facility’s long standing presence in the Delmont community forward with Monroeville based Palmer brand name on the building.”

About Palmer Imaging Arena – Palmer Imaging Arena, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Delmont, PA. Opened in 1997, the 125,000 square-foot facility includes three NHL-sized ice rinks, with one of the ice rinks converting in March through August to dry floor concrete /sport court. These ice rinks are complemented by two meeting/party rooms that support a variety of corporate and community functions as well as group outings/field trips. Palmer Imaging Arena’s mix of surfaces provides for a host of programs, program drop ins, leagues, themed events, expos, trade shows, shows and concerts. The facility is home to many user groups as well as a variety of on-site businesses including Wallace Fitness, KoSports Hockey, Happy Badgers Sports Pub, and Vocelli Pizza – Delmont. For more information, go to www.palmerimagingarena.com.

About Palmer Products Imaging – For over fifty years, Palmer Products Imaging has been printing and installing for our clients to effectively communicate through graphics and signage. We understand the importance of effectively delivering your message and we strive to do it beautifully through our prints. We produce large format full-color digital graphics for Point of Purchase displays, vehicles, trade show displays, floor graphics, banners, custom signage, custom wall murals, as well as decals and labels. Palmer Products Imaging can help you spread your message far and wide. For more information, go to www.palmerporducts.com

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 and 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 has the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also to turn around under-managed or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 25 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, three indoor turf fields, 16 youth hockey clubs, one youth hockey league, the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the National Girls Hockey League and three Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, NorthAmericanHockeyLeagueandEasternHockeyLeague.Formore,goto http://www.blackbearsportsgroup.com/

The post Palmer Imaging Arena Holds Grand Re-Opening Event first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Palmer Imaging Arena Holds Grand Re-Opening Event appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Atlantic Hockey Federation Announces Full Season Primary League for 2022-2023

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:21:08 +0000

Bethesda, MD (November 1, 2021) – The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is pleased to announce its plans for the 2022-23 season as follows: (1) Inclusion of the Haverford Hawks, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Palmyra Black Knights, the Valley Forge Colonials, and the Wilkes Barre Scranton Knights as full season members and the St. James Hockey Club and the Southern Maryland Sabres as a Half-Season members, bringing total teams in the AHF to approximately 450, (2) Bolstering our management team with Matthew Kiernan as VP of Hockey and Jeff Sturm as Director of Hockey, (3) Additions of Jake Geverd, Owner of Valley Forge, and Dan May, Owner of NJ Avalanche, to the AHF Board of Directors, and; (4) Establishment of full season schedules for majority of teams eliminating secondary league status for most New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania teams.

“Despite the ongoing COVID challenges, the first season of the AHF has exceeded our expectations which is why we have decided to move toward full season status for the vast majority of our teams,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “I am also thrilled that Jake, Dan, Matt and Jeff have all joined our amazing group of partners to help us lead this league going forward. We have, by far, the best group of partners and management of any league in the country.”

“Our new structure has three objectives – provide the best competition, minimize travel and lower costs for our families,” said AHF VP of Hockey, Matt Kiernan. “We are looking forward to introducing many new features to the league next year that are really only available due to our unique structure of primarily rink owned/controlled clubs.”

“We now have, by far, the biggest footprint of any Tier II league in the district,” said Tim Fingerhut, AHF Commissioner. As a result, we can provide our families and players the best possible hockey experience available including an expanded playoff format and a pathway to nationals.”

About the Atlantic Hockey Federation, Inc.
The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is a USA Hockey-sanctioned elite Tier II youth hockey league that facilitates games throughout the Mid-Atlantic and seeks to lower costs for its member-owned clubs and their families. The AHF was founded by leading hockey organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including the Montgomery Blue Devils, New Jersey Bandits, Rockets Hockey Club, Hollydell Hurricanes, Team Philadelphia and the 15 Black Bear Sports Group owned clubs. Each of the Founders operate at all levels of youth and junior hockey, from Mite through to Midget at the youth level and from Tier III (EHL and USPHL), Tier II (NAHL and NCDC), to Tier I (USHL) at the junior level. If you are looking for the best value, the AHF is for you. If you are looking for exposure to play college hockey, the AHF is also for you.

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 and professionally managed and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear targets ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, existing youth hockey clubs and a National Hockey League club presence. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 27 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, two indoor turf fields, 15 youth hockey clubs and three Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.
Contact Info: Matt Kiernan, V.P. Hockey, mkiernan@blackbearsportsgroup.com

The post Atlantic Hockey Federation Announces Full Season Primary League for 2022-2023 first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Atlantic Hockey Federation Announces Full Season Primary League for 2022-2023 appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Liberty Coca-Cola Becomes Official Beverage Partner for Black Bear Sports Group 14 New Jersey and Pennsylvania Ice Arenas

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 16:16:58 +0000

Bethesda, MD- Black Bear Sports Group just completed multi-year official beverage agreement with Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages for 14 of its’ ice arenas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The agreement will provide for fountain and single serve products, equipment for concessions operation as well as single serve products that will be serviced by Black Bear Sports Group’s corporate vending partner, Canteen.

“Liberty Coca-Cola is a mainstay in the Northeast,” said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO, Murry Gunty. “They provide best in class service and top selling brands; we are honored to be partnered with them”.

“Black Bear Sports Group has a powerful footprint in the Northeast,” said Evan McCrory, Account Executive for Liberty Coca-Cola “our team is poised to support Black Bear Sports Groups foot traffic growth in each of its ice arenas which is driven by its innovative programming model as well as their continue ice arena expansion in this region”

About Liberty Coca-Cola– Instead, think of us as your strategic partner for total beverage
solutions. Backed by nearly 3,200 highly trained associates and a creative leadership team, we
serve thousands of restaurants, supermarkets, and retailers spanning 16,169 square miles
across five states, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. For more,
go to https://www.libertycoke.com

The post Liberty Coca-Cola Becomes Official Beverage Partner for Black Bear Sports Group 14 New Jersey and Pennsylvania Ice Arenas first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Liberty Coca-Cola Becomes Official Beverage Partner for Black Bear Sports Group 14 New Jersey and Pennsylvania Ice Arenas appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health Holds Grand Re-Opening Event

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:17:37 +0000

Randolph, NJ- Today, SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health held a Grand Re-Opening event, celebrating the new naming sponsorship with Summit Health for the arena, and the new SportsCare Physical Therapy location opening in the main lobby of the arena. Another announcement shared at the event was the new presenting sponsorship by Summit Health, a premier health care network offering primary, specialty and urgent care.

Keynote speakers for the event were former New York Ranger Nick Fotiu, Senator Anthony Bucco and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and the ribbon cutting was led by Randolph Township Mayor, Mark Forstenhausler.

There was also an appearance from NWHL Metropolitan Riveters professional women’s hockey team who play at the arena.

“SportsCare is proud to be part of this great community asset,” said SportsCare Owner Ron Lombardi. “It is a pleasure to be working in association with the team on site as well as Summit Health to provide leading-edge, value-added services to the athletes and families at the arena.”

“We are pleased to work in cooperation with SportsCare Physical Therapy and the facility team to integrate our full array of physician services to support the athletes needs efficiently, easily, and conveniently,” said David Abrutyn, MD, Vice Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Summit Health.

“The relationship with SportsCare Physical Therapy and Summit Health is an example of what can happen when community leaders are working together for the greater good of the athletes and families that call SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health home,” said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO, Murry Gunty. “The new SportsCare Physical Therapy space located in the heart of our lower-level lobby area staffed by the consummate professionals from SportsCare will provide for an unappareled level of daily service for our customers.”

About SportsCare Physical Therapy – When you have experienced an injury as a result of playing a sport, being on the job, or being involved in a vehicle accident, trust the caring team at
SportsCare Physical Therapy to help you recover. Our licensed therapists are experienced in many innovative techniques to help restore your function and return you to your previous level of performance. Since 1997, SportsCare Physical Therapy has been providing high-quality physical therapy and sports medicine services. We maintain a staff of dedicated therapists who are licensed and certified as well as professional athletic trainers. Each of our facilities offers state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology, including the latest testing and exercise equipment. SportsCare is a proud partner and sponsor to the NY Rangers and NY Red Bulls. For more, go to https://sportscare1.com/

About Summit Health – Summit Health is a physician-driven, patient-centric network committed to simplifying the complexities of health care and bringing a more connected kind of care. Formed by the 2019 merger between Summit Medical Group, one of the nation’s premier independent physician-governed multispecialty medical groups, and CityMD, the leading urgent care provider in the New York metro area, Summit Health delivers a more intuitive, comprehensive, and responsive care experience for every stage of life and health condition through high-quality primary, specialty, and urgent care. For more, go to www.summithealth.com.

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 and 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 has the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also to turn around under-managed or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 25 facilities across the United States with 47 sheets of indoor ice, three indoor turf fields, 15 youth hockey clubs, one youth hockey league, the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the National Girls Hockey League and three Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League. For more, go to http://www.blackbearsportsgroup.com/

About SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health– SportsCare Arena presented by Summit is an 80,172 square foot, multi-sheet ice rink facility located in Randolph, NJ. The facility provides a community outlet to participate in the sports of ice skating and ice hockey, including learn to skate and learn to play hockey lessons, along with public skating and a birthday party program. The arena is also home to the North Jersey Kings, New Jersey Jets travel hockey programs as well as Randolph, Delbarton, Morris Knolls, Roxbury, West Morris Central, Mount Olive, and Madison high school hockey teams, the Renegades Jr hockey team, the H.E.A.T. (Hockey Edge Agility Training) Power Skating Program, and the NWHL Metropolitan Riveters professional women’s hockey team. The facility is home to a variety of on-site businesses including SportsCare Physical Therapy, R&M Hockey Pro Shop, Beyond Barre of Randolph/Randolph Jazzercise as well as the SportsCare Arena concessions. For more, go
to https://sportscarearena.com/

The post SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health Holds Grand Re-Opening Event first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post SportsCare Arena presented by Summit Health Holds Grand Re-Opening Event appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Canteen Becomes Black Bear Sports Group’s Official Vending Partner

admin — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:18:18 +0000

Bethesda, MD- Black Bear Sports Group has finalized a multi-year snack and beverage vending agreement with worldwide renowned Canteen. The agreement will provide for state-of-the-art snack and beverage vending machines in each of the 27 Black Bear Sports Group Ice Arenas. Each of the vending machines will be custom branded and include a QR code that links to the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation.

“Canteen will be providing all of our arenas unparalleled service, the right product mix for our customers and best-in-class vending machines,” said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO, Murry Gunty. “We are extremely excited that Canteen is customizing each of the vending machines to feature the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation, a program that we are very proud of that we started to provide scholarships to youth hockey players in each of our market areas.“

About Canteen – If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that we all need a break now and then. Since Canteen began in 1929, snack time has changed. People’s lives have changed, and preferences have changed, too. One thing has stayed the same though: good things happen when people take a break. That’s cemented our purpose – we bring break time to everyone. We’re not just giving you a quick snack, we’re creating places, moments, and opportunities to connect which make you more productive, more innovative, and a lot happier. Everyone needs a respite, a little pick-me-up, a moment to refuel, and then quickly get back to what needs to be done. We go beyond convenience by using technology to continually innovate and give people what they want, when they want it. It’s what drives people every day. Each account, from a Fortune 500 company to a small business, college campus, airport, or hotel is handled with a customer-first, always-friendly approach. After all, our partners rely on us to keep people happy, revived, and moving forward. Stopping for a delicious, healthy, quick break is something that allows everyone to make the most of their day. For more information, go to https://www.canteen.com/

The post Canteen Becomes Black Bear Sports Group’s Official Vending Partner first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Canteen Becomes Black Bear Sports Group’s Official Vending Partner appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

UPMC Expands Relationship with Black Bear Sports Group in Pittsburgh Area

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 16:18:52 +0000

Announces Ice Rink Naming Rights Partnership at Palmer Imaging Arena, Delmont PA

Delmont, Pa. – Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is expanding its relationship with UPMC with the addition of the Ice Rink Naming Rights partnership at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont, PA, adding to the existing relationships at Printscape Arena at Southpointe and with their USHL franchise, the Youngstown Phantoms. The partnership names one of the three ice rinks at Palmer Imaging Arena the UPMC Ice Rink.

“The partnership with UPMC provides so many leading edge, value-added services for our athletes and families,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. “Having UPMC’s endorsement and support means so much to us as we continue to serve the community with a diversified array of quality programming that promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles.”

“We are proud to be expanding our relationship with Black Bear Sports Group with the addition of Palmer Imaging Arena,” said Brian Hagen, Program Administrator and Vice President for UPMC Sports Medicine and Centers for Rehab Services.” We share Black Bear Sports Groups’ commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region and look forward to serving the many athletes that are part of their portfolio.”

About UPMC – A $23 billion health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals, 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, and a more than 4 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. In the most recent fiscal year, UPMC contributed $1.7 billion in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region’s most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution, and paid more than $900 million in federal, state, and local taxes. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial, and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialization arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International. U.S. News consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside among the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. For more information, go to www.UPMC.com.

About Palmer Imaging Arena – Palmer Imaging Arena, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Delmont, PA. Opened in 1997, the 125,000 square-foot facility includes three NHL-sized ice rinks, with one of the ice rinks converting in March through August to dry floor concrete /sport court. These ice rinks are complimented by two meeting/party rooms that support a variety of corporate and community functions as well as group outings/field trips. Palmer Imaging Arena’s mix of surfaces provides for a host of programs, program drop ins, leagues, themed events, expos, trade shows, shows and concerts. The facility is home to many user groups as well as a variety of on-site businesses including Wallace Fitness, KO Sports Hockey, and Vocelli Pizza – Delmont. For more information, go to www.palmerimagingarena.com.

The post UPMC Expands Relationship with Black Bear Sports Group in Pittsburgh Area first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post UPMC Expands Relationship with Black Bear Sports Group in Pittsburgh Area appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

NGHL Partnership with ICEBERG Sports Analytics and the Prospect Exchange (TPE).

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 16:14:08 +0000

The National Girls Hockey League (NGHL) is excited to announce its new partnership with ICEBERG Sports Analytics and theProspect Exchange (TPE). Beginning with the 2021-22 season, NGHL member clubs in the Red Division at the 14,16, and 19 age levels will receive access to ICEBERG Analytics’ Premium X product at league events where game clips and advanced stats will be automatically uploaded to each players’ TPE profile page. The Prospect Exchange (TPE) has quickly become one of hockey’s most popular platforms that connect players, coaches, and scouts using TPE’s unique communication tool. Players will be able to share their video and analytics with college coaches and also track communication on their dashboard. With over 2,000 registered coaches and scouts using the platform, TPE has become a trusted source in player recruitment and is proud to partner with the NGHL and Black Bear Sports Group.

“We are very excited about our partnership with ICEBERG and TPE and the tremendous value it will bring to our membership,” said Jeremy Dallow, Interim-Commissioner of the NGHL. “Our vision is to use great emerging technologies to offer our players the opportunities to be seen by coaches and scouts and advance their hockey careers and we believe this partnership helps us execute that vision.”

Recently, the Prospect Exchange announced they will be integrating their platform with the technology of Iceberg Sports Analytics. ICEBERG is the global leader in providing enhanced hockey analytics and data collection through modern computer vision algorithms. ICEBERG will provide video and analytics to 14U, 16U, and 19U NGHL members in the Red division playing league games at each NGHL event this season. Each player will also have their individual video and advanced analytics available to share in TPE.

“We are humbled that NGHL has chosen to partner with TPE and ICEBERG. The NGHL is determined to provide their membership the greatest exposure to the next level and we are thrilled to be part of that process,” noted John Becanic, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of The Prospect Exchange.

“Since day one we envisioned improving the structure and experience for girls hockey with the NGHL,” said NGHL Co-Founder, Sean O’Brien. “This new partnership is another big step forward for the league.”

The post NGHL Partnership with ICEBERG Sports Analytics and the Prospect Exchange (TPE). first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post NGHL Partnership with ICEBERG Sports Analytics and the Prospect Exchange (TPE). appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.