2022 - Black Bear Sports Group

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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Foundry Adult Hockey Launches Fall/Winter 2022/2023 League Plans

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:34:33 +0000

Bethesda, MD Today, Foundry Adult Hockey, part of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the USA announced its fall/winter 2022/2023 league plans across the Black Bear Sports Group, Inc Arenas.

“Foundry Adult Hockey is about learning the game of hockey and playing the game whenever you want, wherever you want, at any level you want”,” said Senior Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Branovan. “We are delighted to add the Foundry Adult Hockey League to our existing line of adult hockey programs, including Get in the Game, The Novice Draft League and coming soon, Flex Games”.

“We have over 6,000 adult hockey players on teams throughout three seasons a year for a total of over 18,000 players participating in all Black Bear Sports Group, Inc Arenas,” said Ryan Patrick, Director of Adult Hockey, “As we continue to grow new players into the great game of hockey with Get in the Game and The Novice Draft League, the Foundry Adult Hockey Leagues will offer year round hockey leagues at all levels in the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer seasons. The leagues will be professionally organized, competitive, and for all skill levels. Live stats, standings, and leaderboards will be available with GameSheet’s real-time game scoring. The three seasons culminate with teams having the chance to compete in regional and national tournaments amongst Foundry Adult Hockey facilities”.

About Foundry Adult Hockey – Foundry Adult Hockey is the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A. As a hockey enthusiast, you can learn the game and or play the game whenever you want, wherever you want and at any level at you want. The program is designed as a development ladder starting with Get in the Game for beginners, graduates move onto The Novice Draft League, and then to the Adult Hockey Leagues, Flex Games, and Adult Hockey Tournaments.

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 30 facilities across the United States with 55 sheets of indoor ice, 5 indoor turf fields/non-ice surfaces, 23 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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Foundry Adult Hockey Launches Novice Draft League

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:35:36 +0000

Bethesda, MD- Today, Foundry Adult Hockey, part of Black Bear Sports Group, the largest adult hockey organization in the U.S. launched another new offering, the Foundry Adult Hockey Novice Draft League.

The league is designed for graduates of the Foundry Adult Hockey Get in the Game Learn to Play Hockey Program to continue on their hockey journey. Foundry Adult Hockey’s Novice Draft League gives participants the opportunity to play in a competitive league that matches their skill level.

“The foundation of Foundry Adult Hockey is centered on bringing new adult hockey players into the great sport of hockey in all of our affiliates and facilities,” said Senior Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Branovan. We are excited to offer enthusiastic adult players a way to “Get in the Game” and then stay in the game and enjoy the fun of competing in an environment suitable for their developing skills with the addition of the Foundry Adult Hockey Novice Draft League.”

“We have found that there are many adults who love the game of hockey but were not able to be exposed to the game at a young age and may feel the opportunity to play the game has passed them by,” said Director of Adult Hockey Ryan Patrick. “Our mission is to create a pathway to learn the game in a safe non-threatening way with other players that have no experience”.

The league will consist of three seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer, and will feature organized and competitive leagues for the beginner player. Players can register as an individual or as a group and the staff at each facility will organize the teams for competitive balance.

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.

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 30 facilities across the United States with 55 sheets of indoor ice, 5 indoor turf fields/non-ice surfaces, 23 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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Tier 1 Hockey Federation Expands West

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:35:06 +0000

Bethesda, MD – Today, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation “THF” is proud to announce the formation of the THF Western Conference. This conference will compete at the 14U, 15U, 16U, and 18U age levels whereas the Champions at each level will compete in the United States Premier Hockey League “USPHL” Cup in March against winners from the THF South and USPHL North Conferences. As part of the expansion West, the THF has partnered with the Exposure Series which will provide for convenient game play that will count toward the THF league standings.

The THF mission to provide Competition, Exposure and Advancement continues to be at the core of the exciting expansion West “said Black Bear Sports Group CEO and Founder Murry Gunty”, “We are proud to have an outstanding array of inaugural members of the THF West including the Colorado Springs Tigers, Golden State Elite, Northwest Stars, Ontario Jr. Reign, St. Francis (Red Raiders), Tahoe Hockey Academy, Vegas Jr. Knights, and Wasatch Renegades.

“Our formula is simple and unwavering; to provide our members professional, full-time management focused on elite, balanced competition at each birth year level, convenient cost-effective game schedules and a pathway to college for all of our players”, said THF Commissioner Tony Zasowski, “ we are thrilled to be able to support these inaugural clubs that are part of the THF West expansion”.

About the Tier 1 Hockey Federation
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation provides elite-level competition through an unbalanced schedule among Tier 1 and elite clubs on the East Coast. The THF is managed by full-time professional staff and initially has over 100 elite or AAA teams from 9U-18U committed for its inaugural 2022-23 season. The THF brings together clubs from multiple leagues and states and is the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments: USHL, NAHL, NCDC and the top two junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and the Eastern Hockey League.

About Exposure Series
The Eastern Exposure Series is a USA Hockey Sanctioned, Tier 1 youth hockey showcase series that provides elite AAA games throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast for Bantam and Midget teams while providing maximum collegiate and junior hockey exposure for its club members and families. The EES is managed by SuperSeries and had over 120 AAA teams during its inaugural 2021-22 season.

About USPHL/THF Collaboration
The United States Premier Hockey League (“USPHL”) and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”) began a partnership in March. Teams at all ages from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania will play in the THF-USPHL South Division (“THF South”). The THF South will continue with its unbalanced schedule in order to eliminate lopsided games and improve national hockey rankings. Midget (15U, 16U and 18U) teams from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts will play in the USPHL-THF North Division (“USPHL North”), which will be administered by the THF. USPHL North member club youth teams will remain in their current leagues.

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Black Bear Sports Group Acquires 30th Ice Arena

admin — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:32:10 +0000

Deep Freeze Ice Arena will be the Official Practice and Training Facility of the United States Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms

Boardman, Ohio – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired the Deep Freeze Ice Arena in Boardman, Ohio. The Arena features one Olympic ice sheet, the Extreme Air Trampoline Park and will be the official practice and training facility of the United States Hockey League’s Youngstown Phantoms, which is co-owned by Black Bear.

“We are excited to continue our Western PA/Ohio market expansion with the addition of the Deep Freeze Ice Arena,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “This is a natural extension of our Youngstown Phantoms brand. Our team in Western PA/Ohio has a proven track record of effectively reaching into the community and providing affordable family entertainment that promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles and together with the team from Extreme Air Trampoline Park, the Deep Freeze will be no exception.

“The Youngstown Phantoms have been a part of Mahoning Valley tradition and the United States Hockey League (USHL), the country’s top junior hockey league, since the 2009 season and previously were a member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for six seasons,” Black Bear Junior Hockey President Andrew Goldman stated. “With ownership of Deep Freeze, we can further invest in the Phantoms’ future including creation of a world class fitness facility and unlimited access to practice ice.”

About Deep Freeze Ice Arena – Deep Freeze Ice Arena is the Official practice facility of the Youngstown Phantoms and Home of Extreme Air Trampoline Park. Deep Freeze Ice Arena, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is an ice facility located on McClurg Road in Youngstown, Ohio. The arena measures 90,000 square feet where you will find unique ice hockey, figure skating, and other programs. The facility includes one Olympic-sized ice rink operating year-round. The ice rink is complimented by a concession area as well as two meeting/party rooms that support a variety of corporate and community functions as well as group outings & field trips. Deep Freeze Ice Arena’s surface provides for a host of programs, program drop ins, leagues, and themed events. The facility is home to many user groups along with a variety of on-site businesses including Extreme Air Trampoline Park.

About the Youngstown Phantoms -The Youngstown Phantoms are a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The USHL is the country’s top junior hockey league, classified as Tier I. Prior to the 2009 season, the Phantoms were a member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for six seasons. The Phantoms have seen over 150 players commit to NCAA Division I schools, and 29 Phantom Players have been drafted into the NHL. Multiple alumni have signed NHL contracts including Brett Murray, Scott Mayfield, Jiri Sekac, Andrej Sustr, Nathan Walker and Kyle Connor. The Youngstown Phantoms are co-owned by Bruce Zoldan and Murry Gunty. Mr. Zoldan is the Founder and CEO of Phantom Fireworks, America’s largest fireworks company. Mr. Gunty is the Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. The Phantoms produce top talent on and off the ice. Phantoms’ players are very active in the Mahoning Valley and can be found giving back on a regular basis from reading in schools, assisting in soup kitchens, or teaching youth hockey players.

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Black Bear Sports Group Partners with Apex Learning Virtual School

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 16:33:14 +0000

Bethesda, MD- Black Bear Sports Group has finalized a multi-year marketing and sponsorship partnership with Apex Learning Virtual School. The partnership provides for the title sponsorship for the Atlantic Hockey Federation and Tier 1 Hockey Federation spring parity events as well as significant digital marketing, branding, and on-site seminars throughout the Black Bear Sports Group ice arena portfolio.

“Apex Learning Virtual School offers so many accredited online education options for our middle school and high school athletes,” said Black Bear Sports Group head of Sales and Marketing, Scott Branovan. “We are thrilled to be able to share this NCAA eligible self-paced education platform as an option for the many busy athletes and families that are part of our extended hockey family.”

Black Bear Sports Group is doing so much to accommodate hockey families’ busy lifestyles,” said Mackenzie Beaulaurier, Apex Learning Virtual School Enrollment Coordinator. “We hope that our accredited online education options are an extension of Black Bear Sports Group’s commitment to excellence in all it does for the facilities program participants as well as the Atlantic Hockey Federation and Tier 1 Hockey Federation membership”.

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, a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totaling 29 facilities across the United States with 54 sheets of indoor ice, 4 indoor turf fields, 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 and Eastern Hockey League. For more, go to www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

About Apex Virtual Learning School – Our accredited private online high school is what you and your student are looking for. We’re unique, but so is your student. At our school, your student can choose when and where they work so that they can flex their schoolwork around busy athletic schedules, auditions, try-outs, college tours, or medical appointments. Plus, we will support your student while they work independently with our experienced staff of teachers, counselors, and tutors.
Our students earn higher scores on standardized tests than the national average and many other online high schools. Our passion is to see your student finish high school and join thousands of other ALVS students who have gone on to prestigious colleges and universities.
We offer over 200 NCAA-approved courses, more than any other online provider, are the exclusive education partner of the NAHL, and an education provider for the NBA Academy.

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Pure Hockey Becomes Black Bear Sports Group’s Official Hockey Equipment Partner

admin — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:31:08 +0000

Bethesda, MD- Black Bear Sports Group has finalized a multi-year marketing and hockey equipment procurement agreement with Pure Hockey. The agreement provides for entry level hockey equipment options for both youth and adult first time hockey players throughout its ice arena portfolio.

“Growing hockey participation in all of our facilities is our lifeblood, “said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO, Murry Gunty, “with Pure Hockey’s support, we will be able to provide all first time youth hockey players free hockey equipment as part of our learn to play hockey programs throughout the 2022-2023 season“.

As the leading hockey equipment retailer in the U.S. Pure Hockey is also the official equipment fulfillment partner of the National Hockey League/National Hockey League Players’ Association Learn to Play Program for U.S.-based NHL Clubs.

“Through our industry-leading equipment and fulfillment expertise, we look forward to supporting our shared commitment to growing the sport of hockey for youth and adult hockey players,” said David Nectow, CEO of Pure Hockey. “Together with Black Bear Sports Group, we can provide the best possible experience and positively impact players as they begin their hockey journey.”

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, a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totaling 29 facilities across the United States with 54 sheets of indoor ice, 4 indoor turf fields, 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 and Eastern Hockey League. For more, go to www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

About Pure Hockey – Pure Hockey is headquartered outside of Boston, MA. The company was
founded in 1994 and was acquired by David Nectow and Sal Tiano in 2008. Nectow and Tiano
started their hockey business in 2002 with the purchase of one hockey retail store in Massachusetts. Pure Hockey has since expanded organically and through strategic acquisitions, and now operates two ecommerce sites and approximately 60 stores in 20 states across the U.S. under the Pure Hockey and Pure Goalie brands. Pure Hockey is the Official Hockey Equipment Retailer of USA Hockey, and the Retail Partner of the NHL/NHLPA’s Learn to Play Program. For more information, visit purehockey.com.

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