“We’re thrilled to bring the Mounties’ tradition of excellence at the 12 and under levels to the Eastern Hockey Federation,” said Matthew Fawcett, Program Director of the Jr. Mounties. “Joining the EHF represents a great opportunity for our players to compete at the highest level. This is a proud moment for the program and the community.”

Black Bear Sports Group Director of Youth Hockey Patrick Choules expressed his excitement about the program’s future: “We’re building something truly special with the Jr. Mounties. This program will ensure our younger players grow into leaders on and off the ice.”

For more information about the Jr. Mounties youth program, upcoming tryouts, and other inquiries, contact Matthew Fawcett, mfawcett8@icloud.com and 401-474-2903.

About the Jr. Mounties Hockey Program

The Jr. Mounties hockey club is an elite program based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It plays out of Adelard Arena, home to the most storied high school hockey program in the country: the Mount Saint Charles Mounties. Over the past 50 years, the Mounties have established themselves as a powerhouse, claiming an incredible 26 consecutive Rhode Island state championships. Six years ago, the program took a bold step forward by creating the Mount Academy teams, which quickly succeeded at the U14 to U18 levels. The Jr. Mounties are proud to play in the Eastern Hockey Federation for the 2025-26 season, where they will face some of the best competition in the region. The program plans to field seven youth teams: Mite Futures, Mite AAA 7U, Mite AAA 8U, Squirt Minor 9U, Squirt Major 10U, PeeWee Minor 11U, and PeeWee Major 12U. Each team will participate in the league, with the goal of developing some of the best teams and hockey players in our region. For more information, visit jrmountieshockey.club.

About Adelard Arena

Opened in 1963, Adelard Arena is a historic facility in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on Mount Saint Charles Academy’s campus. The arena is home to the 46-time State Champion high school hockey team at Mount Saint Charles and the National Powerhouse Academy teams, including the Jr. Mounties.

The post Jr. Mounties 6U-12U Joins Eastern Hockey Federation for 2025-26 Season first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Jr. Mounties 6U-12U Joins Eastern Hockey Federation for 2025-26 Season appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Youth hockey in the Valley has grown over the years, especially with the success of the USHL Youngstown Phantoms and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In Youngstown at the Deep Freeze Ice Arena, organizers are trying to get more kids involved in the ice sport.

“I was crazy scared and what kept me going was scoring and winning games,” said Jr. Phantoms player Braxden Mauer.

“As soon as I got onto the ice I fell straight on my butt, but I just try to work my way up,” said Jr. Phantoms player Stanley Sarna.

10-year-old Mauer and nine-year-old Sarna are both members of the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs in Youngstown.

Deep Freeze Hockey Director Brad Patterson said since he has been involved the program has expanded with more classes and kids.

“You need to taste it, it’s like a delicacy,” said Patterson. “I’m from Western Canada and everyone does it there, not everyone’s had the exposure to it.”

Patterson started as an assistant coach with the Phantoms in 2009 and was promoted to head coach in 2016. He left the Youngstown team in 2022 and started with the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs shortly after.

He said kids can come into their program as young as four to six years old. Next year the organization is creating an under-16 league because of the growth.

He said many Valley kids come into their programs having never played hockey before.

“Found out I was Canadian, tried out hockey,” said Mauer.

“I really like watching it, especially those Pittsburgh Penguins, Sydney Crosby, he has the momentum to keep up,” said Sarna.

Deep Freeze’s entry-level program is called Take a Shot at Hockey, which is a four-week program for boys and girls. Age groups range from 4-14 with classes over four weeks.

Patterson said the program also gives out new hockey equipment to participants in the class. Then, once it ends and if you want to continue, you can keep the hockey equipment for free. If you don’t want to continue playing hockey through their program all you do is give it back with no financial commitment.

“You sign up little Jimmy, Jimmy shows up on day one and we give him a full bag of equipment,” said Patterson. “He’s got a brand new jersey, he’s got a brand new stick, plus his equipment. It’s $300 worth of equipment those players are getting.”

The developmental leader said the program is already a success as the organization is already adding new classes and sessions.

Patterson said 70-75% of the kids who went through the program continue on in the organization. He also said this program with no financial restrictions is meant for people who have never played hockey.

Current Youngstown Phantoms defenseman and Valley native Cal Huston grew up in the very same program.

“We’re starting to see it and as you see it, it’s like a tree,” said Patterson. “Once it starts to spread, then we’re going to have a lot more.”

Deep Freeze also has learn-to-play options for all ages including adults. Also, non-competitive to travel youth leagues.

Call 234-719-5000 for more information or head to the Deep Freeze Ice Arena website.

The post Deep Freeze Ice Arena sees growth with Take a Shot at Hockey Program first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Deep Freeze Ice Arena sees growth with Take a Shot at Hockey Program appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

Founding members of the USPHL 18U Division include the Thunder Hockey Club, Rocky Mountain Moose, Somang L-L Hockey (two teams), Hawkesbury Knights, Le Sommet Faucons, NPU Rebels
(two teams), Universel Gatineau, Universel Sherbrooke, and the Kingston Wranglers.

“This league creates a direct pipeline from youth hockey to junior & college hockey, helping players develop the skills needed to thrive at the next level and catch the attention of scouts,” said USPHL Senior Advisor Kevin Abrams. “We look forward to expanding this division, and other youth divisions, across North America as well as helping develop players for our USPHL junior teams.”

“USA Hockey serves as the ultimate barrier to youth hockey development. The THF is looking for ways to serve independent teams in the US and Canada that are looking to provide top level AAA hockey but are being blocked by USA Hockey Affiliates,” said USPHL Deputy Commissioner and THF Commissioner Tony Zasowski. “This division is a great opportunity to provide competitive hockey with premier advancement opportunities with ties to the USPHL and THF.”

For more information about the USPHL 18U division e-mail info@tier1hockeyfederation.com

About The United States Premier Hockey League
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of over 150 teams, fielding more than 20,000 players aged 8-21 in more than 100 organizations across the North, South, Midwest, West, and Canada. Our Junior Divisions consist of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), a tuition-free junior hockey division and our Premier and Elite Divisions, all geared toward college and pro placement. Our youth and midget divisions (operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation) field full season 8U through 18U teams. The USPHL has sent over 8,000 players to all levels of college hockey all-time including over 4,200 into NCAA college hockey, with more than 550 advancing to NCAA Division I hockey. The USPHL has also had 18 players who played in the NCDC drafted by NHL teams. For more information visit usphl.com.

About The Tier 1 Hockey Federation
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Tier-I Youth Hockey League that offers a highly competitive environment for Tier 1 and elite clubs nationwide, with an unbalanced schedule that ensures top-level play. A team of dedicated professionals manages the THF with over 200 AAA teams, ranging from 9U-18U age levels. The THF is the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments, including the USHL, NAHL, NCDC, and the top two junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and Elite Division. This unique structure ensures that THF players can access various opportunities to further their hockey careers at the college level and beyond.

The post USPHL ANNOUNCES NON-USA HOCKEY 18U YOUTH LEAGUE first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post USPHL ANNOUNCES NON-USA HOCKEY 18U YOUTH LEAGUE appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post U.S. Wins Gold at World Junior Championship first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post U.S. Wins Gold at World Junior Championship appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

December 20, 2024 (Woonsocket, R.I.) – The Jr. Mounties Youth Hockey Program and Adelard Arena announced today the appointment of Matthew Fawcett as the Director of Youth Hockey. Fawcett will help grow the program into the top youth development program in Rhode Island. 

Under Fawcett’s leadership, the Jr. Mounties will offer youth teams at all levels to build on its existing structure. He will serve as head coach of the 13U Jr. Mounties team for the 2025-26 season and as a scout for the Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League and the USHL Youngstown Phantoms.

Fawcett’s playing career began locally with the Providence Capitals before playing prep hockey at The Winchendon School. He spent time in the British Columbia Hockey League and the United States Hockey League before playing NCAA Division I hockey at Quinnipiac University and the University of Maine. Fawcett earned an MBA from Salve Regina University, combining his hockey expertise with strategic leadership. Most recently, he coached junior hockey in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and ran skills camps with the Providence Capitals. Fawcett is co-founder of 401 Hockey Development, a comprehensive hockey development program catering to players of all ages and skill levels. 

“It’s an honor to contribute to the growth and elevation of this program while being part of Mount’s historic legacy,” Fawcett said. “With a focus on developing players on and off the ice, I’m excited to work with the rest of the program to shape its future and build the framework for continued success. I look forward to helping our players reach their full potential.”

“Matthew Fawcett is a great addition to our existing team at Mount Saint Charles and Adelard Arena,” said Black Bear Sports Group Director of Youth Hockey Patrick Choules. “His dedication to development will provide local players with tremendous opportunities to grow within our network. Matthew’s involvement in Black Bear Sports Group junior-affiliated clubs will present an unmatched path from youth to junior hockey in a program with an impressive history.”

Black Bear Sports Group entered an agreement with MSC in October to manage the historic Adelard Arena. Bruce Berard was named President of the Jr. Mounties as part of the transaction. Jr. Mounties program information will be available in the new year. 

About the Jr. Mounties Youth Hockey Program

Based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, at Adelard Arena, the Jr. Mounties are the affiliate program of the storied high school hockey program at Mount Saint Charles Academy. They are an elite program that plays in the E9/BHL hockey league and fields multiple teams, intending to develop some of the best hockey players in the region.

About Adelard Arena

Opened in 1963, Adelard Arena is a historic facility in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on Mount Saint Charles Academy’s campus. The arena is home to the 46-time State Champion high school hockey team at Mount Saint Charles and the National Powerhouse Academy teams, including the Jr. Mounties.

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, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 40 facilities across the United States with 76 sheets of indoor ice, 40 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National Girls Hockey League), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and The Show Tournaments), eight Junior “A” hockey teams with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey organization in the USA. Black Bear TV, the broadcasting arm of Black Bear, now reaches nearly 100 sheets of ice and has quickly established itself as one of the largest hockey broadcasters in the U.S.

The post Matthew Fawcett Appointed Jr. Mounties Director of Youth Hockey first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Matthew Fawcett Appointed Jr. Mounties Director of Youth Hockey appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Mount Clemens Ice Arena being sold to Maryland-based firm first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Mount Clemens Ice Arena being sold to Maryland-based firm appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Biggby Coffee Hockey Club Joins The Henry Ford’s “Hockey: Faster Than Ever” Exhibit first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Biggby Coffee Hockey Club Joins The Henry Ford’s “Hockey: Faster Than Ever” Exhibit appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

YOUNGSTOWN — A third period rush helped push the Youngstown Phantoms past Cedar Rapids on Saturday, dispatching the Rough Riders, 5-3.

Kade Stengrim set the tone early, scoring his fifth goal of the season less than two minutes into the contest.

“I liked our start,” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said. “I actually thought our start was better tonight than last night. I think we stayed in it, we didn’t give up a whole lot. … I like that we generated more tonight. Overall, I thought it was a good effort. We’ve got one more tomorrow, and it’s great playing here at the Covelli Centre.”

Stengrim and linemates Jakub Hes and Michael Coleman have been a productive combination of forwards for the Phantoms this season.

“I think they have an identity. I think it’s important that they have an identity,” Ward said. “Kade’s really coming along. Obviously, he goes to the net, has real good hands and a tight, excellent shot. All three of them I thought played well. He is a very smart player. He’s probably more underrated. I don’t think people appreciate how good he is. That line has been good. It’s been a great identity line for us.”

While the Phantoms pulled away in the third period, they went tit-for-tat with Cedar Rapids early.

The Rough Riders responded quickly to Stengrim’s opening goal. Heath Nelson beat out Owen Lepak to knot the game back up.

But Evan Jardine gave Youngstown the edge going into the first intermission, finding the back of the net with the help of Jack Hextall, who tallied his 10th assist so far this season.

Nelson struck again for Cedar Rapids and Daniel Astapovich gave the Rough Riders their only lead of the night midway through the second period.

Defenseman Conner de Haro, who finished the game with a goal and an assist, tied the game up for the Phantoms less than two minutes after Cedar Rapids took the lead.

“Conner has been coming offensively,” Ward said. “Obviously joining the rush, and things like that, and I think he continues to play well. He’s just playing within himself and I think that’s really important.”

That game-tying goal sparked the Phantoms going into the third.

Landan Resendes broke the deadlock in the third period, scoring what went on to be the game-winner against his former team.

“He’s someone for the last two years that, while he was on that team, was a thorn in our side,” Ward said. “(He’s also) someone that we identified last year as someone we would like to acquire and to get into the organization. Thankfully, we were able to do that this year. He’s a prototypical Phantom, and certainly brings it every night.”

It didn’t take long for the Phantoms to add further to their lead.

This time it was Brecken Smith who found the back of the net, giving the Phantoms a 5-3 lead, which would hold.

In the third period, the Phantoms limited Cedar Rapids to just two shots on net. Youngstown dominated in the shots-on-goal department Saturday, outshooting the Rough Riders 32-13.

“We just wanted to be on the right side of pucks, and really, just keep attacking,” Ward said. “I think for us, we were carrying the game, and we just wanted to continue to play our game and stick to our game plan, be above pucks and play as fast as we can to get the puck to the other end.”

The Phantoms play host to the US National Team Development Program U18s today. Start time is set for 4:05 p.m. at the Covelli Centre.

The post Two-Goal Third Sparks Phantoms in Win first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Two-Goal Third Sparks Phantoms in Win appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

YOUNGSTOWN — An old saying amongst coaches is “special teams are special.”

The Youngstown Phantoms lived up to that mantra on Sunday with a pair of power play goals and some key stops on the penalty kill to sweep the weekend with their third win in as many days, taking down the Team USA U18s, 2-1.

“Just a super, super effort,” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said. “Three (games) in three (days). Obviously they’re playing in the same situation (too). We had some adversity this whole weekend with guys out and injuries, and I thought it was a super gritty effort by our guys. I loved our response to obviously killing the five-minute major, a goal got waved off, and we just kept going.

“I think this team is starting to figure it out. An eerily similar kind of trajectory here. I’m excited about the group, and really proud of them for how hard they worked all weekend.”

Forward Jack Hextall got things started on the scoresheet for the Phantoms, knocking the puck past Team USA’s Harrison Boettiger for the opening goal.

The lone miscue on the night for the Phantoms also came on special teams.

Youngstown gave up a shorthanded goal in the waning seconds of the opening period, with Michigan commit Drew Schock IV hitting twine.

Outside of that though, the Phantoms were unblemished on Sunday.

“When you win the special teams battle, you win the majority of the games, and I thought our power play did a good job, even with the shorty we gave up,” Ward said. “It hit (defenseman Conner) de Haro in the head, and then the guys lost the puck, and it was bad timing. But I loved our response. I thought the power play came through big and that the penalty kill was excellent tonight, so special teams carried us through.”

Phantoms forward Justin Kerr, who had a goal waved off earlier in the third period due to a high stick, didn’t make the same mistake twice, beating Boettiger for the go-ahead score.

“It was a high stick. We saw it on the bench,” Ward said of Kerr’s waved-off goal. “Obviously, Kerr did a ton of good things tonight. He played a big man’s game, and that’s what we’ve challenged him with. And playing big time minutes too. I’m happy for (Kerr), he’s been really working hard and working on his game, and it’s paying off.”

The Phantoms have now won five games in a row dating back to the Nov. 8 victory over Chicago. Solid defensive play, and limiting chances have been a major help in making that happen.

“We track all that stuff, and over the past five games, we haven’t given them much,” Ward said. “We pride ourselves on how we play away from the puck. Our guys buy into it, and obviously limiting those high-danger chances is something that bodes well for us.”

The Phantoms (10-7-0-0, 20 points) have a two-game set next weekend on the road in Omaha, and on Nov. 27, they play a rare Wednesday game against the U17s. The Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre the following Saturday to host Des Moines.

The post Phantoms Edge Team USA U18s 2-1 for Fifth Straight Win first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Phantoms Edge Team USA U18s 2-1 for Fifth Straight Win appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.

YOUNGSTOWN — Every game is a learning experience, and the Youngstown Phantoms learned a valuable lesson on Friday.

They saw firsthand how quickly momentum swings in hockey. But they forced overtime, and a goal by Landan Resendes in the extra period sent the Phantoms to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Steel at the Covelli Centre.

“Hockey is a game of momentum, and for us, we probably need to learn to manage that a little better,” Phantoms head coach Ryan Ward said. “But overall, up two goals going into that third period and have that deflating feeling, but to come out of it, really important.”

Resendes crossed the face of Steel goalie Jack Parsons, who stopped the shot. The puck didn’t go into the corner. Instead it slid to the right of the net, and Resendes got back on the rebound and sent it over a leaning Parsons for the game-winning score with 18.6 seconds left in overtime.

“Experience in the league and playing in the league is so valuable. I think that you see that, and you expect that from those guys,” Ward said when talking about Resendes. “The details and big situations, they’ve been there. For Landan, it was his first goal as a Phantom, and I know he wanted that one.”

The Phantoms got after the Steel quickly to open the game.

The Steel’s Alex Calbeck was called for tripping, sending the Phantoms on a power play less than 45 seconds into the game. Adam Benak scored his fourth goal of the season after finding some room to the right of the offensive zone. He delivered a shot from the center of the right face-off circle.

Michael Munroe recorded his first goal of the year when he similarly found space near the right circle at the 11:16 mark.

Youngstown (7-7-0-0, 14 points) got off to another fast start to begin the second period.

Carter Murphy sent the puck toward the net from between the left circle and the blue line. He was credited with his first career United States Hockey League goal 1:44 into the frame.

Chicago (6-9-2-0, 14 points) got one back after the Phantoms were undermanned.

The Phantoms’ had already killed off a two-minute minor when Justin Kerr was called for tripping, but just as they got back to even strength, Luke Santilli was sent to the box for a four-minute high stick.

Youngstown’s penalty killers almost got the job done, but they came up a couple seconds short. Just as Santilli was exiting the box, Tobias Ohman sent a one-timer over the glove side of Phantoms goalie Owen Lepak at the 14:44 mark of the second.

The Phantoms held a 3-1 lead to start the third period, and a fight between Youngstown’s Coleson Hanrahan and Chicago’s Hudson Gorski injected some energy into the Covelli Centre. But it also provided a bit of a spark for the Steel.

Youngstown’s Michael Coleman was sent to the sin bin for a cross check a couple minutes into the third. Ohman added his second power-play goal of the night at 3:13 to put pressure back on Youngstown.

Kolin Sisson applied some pressure to the Phantoms via the rush just seconds later. He sent the puck to the net while driving from the right side, and it got past Lepak to tie the game at three at 4:14.

Murphy came through for the Phantoms again with less than 10 minutes to play. He sent a shot from the right circle in a nearly identical fashion to his second-period goal. His shot made it past Parsons, and the Phantoms took a 4-3 lead.

But the scoreboard changed again just over a minute later. Will Tomko skated toward the net and sent a shot over Lepak’s blocker to tie the game at four less than 13 minutes into the third.

“Kinda weird moments,” Ward said. “We have a fight — we’re up 3-1 — probably gave them a bit more energy, we take a penalty and didn’t execute what we were supposed to do.”

Both teams tried to take advantage of a few chances, but nothing created a high-danger situation, leading to overtime and Resendes’ clinching goal.

Lepak stopped 17-of-21 shots for his first win in Youngstown. Forwards Jack Hextall, Michael Mesic, Mikey Burchill, Jakub Hes, Kerr and Resendes were credited with one assist each, along with defenseman Luke Osburn.

The Phantoms have a big week coming up as they host Cedar Rapids on Friday and Saturday before the Team USA 18U’s visit on Sunday.

“We’re gonna have to grind, we’re gonna have to dig deep and we’re gonna have to find another gear,” Ward said.

The post Phantoms Edge Steel in Overtime first appeared on Black Bear Sports Group.

The post Phantoms Edge Steel in Overtime appeared first on Black Bear Sports Group.