PORT HURON, MI – Black Bear Sports Group, one of the nation’s premier operators of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues, today announced that it has purchased Glacier Pointe Ice Complex, preserving an important resource for hockey players and ice skaters in the Blue Water Area. Every club, league and program currently skating at the rink will open the 2026-27 season on schedule, with the same ice times.

Black Bear Sports Group is a long-term investor, owner, and operator of ice arenas across the Northeast and Midwest, with a commitment to protecting and expanding access to hockey and ice sports. Black Bear reinvests virtually all available funds directly into its rinks and teams – more than $20 million across its rinks over the past three years alone – and by preserving community rinks, supporting player development, and fostering strong skating communities, seeks to ensure that hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.

“Glacier Pointe is a home base for hockey and skating families across the Blue Water Area,” said Kevin Kuby, CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We’re proud to support that tradition and do the essential work that will keep this rink safe, open, and accessible for families throughout the region. Our focus is on ensuring that the next generation of hockey players and ice skaters in Port Huron has a great place to learn, compete, and grow.”

Generations of Port Huron families have learned the game at Glacier Pointe, and Black Bear will introduce new programs to ensure the next generation does as well, including Take a Shot at Hockey, which helps first-time players ages 4 to 9 learn the game at zero cost; Learn to Play Hockey, which provides free equipment for kids to keep as they play; and Get in the Game, which is the largest co-ed adult learn-to-play hockey program in the country. Each of these new initiatives is designed to widen the pipeline into a sport the Port Huron community already knows well, so the rink is as full a decade from now as it is today.

Beyond these new offerings to grow the game, which will roll out during the 2026-2027 season, all current programming is slated to continue on schedule, without interruption, including the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association, the Port Huron Figure Skating Club, Glacier Blades Learn to Skate, and Glacier Pointe’s adult leagues.

About Black Bear Sports Group
Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey supporters, Black Bear Sports Group is a premier owner and operator of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues across the United States. Dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport, the company manages dozens of rinks, teams, and leagues, including the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. Black Bear also offers elite training programs, tournaments, and Black Bear TV, a dedicated streaming platform that increases visibility for athletes. By preserving community rinks and creating development opportunities, Black Bear ensures that hockey and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. For more information, visit www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

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and free BIGGBY® COFFEE sampling to kick off the 2026-27 season

BRIGHTON, MI— Local youth hockey players, coaches, and families gathered this past Saturday, August 8, for the 2nd Annual BIGGBY® COFFEE Hockey Club Season Kickoff Extravaganza at BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube in Brighton. 

The daylong celebration kicked off the 2026-27 hockey season with an outdoor ball hockey tournament played by 10 teams, a coaches clinic and skills competition that 87 young players participated in, and an afternoon celebrity game featuring 17 stars, including Olympic Gold Medalist Kirsten Simms and Winnipeg Jets player Vlad Namestnikov.

“Days like this are exactly why we got into youth hockey. Seeing this rink packed with kids, families, and coaches, all excited for the season ahead reminds us about what matters: connecting with our hockey community and growing the game,” said Mike McFall, Co-Founder and CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE. “Getting to share it with athletes like Kirsten and Vlad made it even more special, and we’re proud to keep investing in moments like this for Michigan.”

Families in attendance also took part in drink sampling from BIGGBY® COFFEE, hands-on craft stations, and merchandise sales throughout the event at the rink, with door prizes announced at halftime of the celebrity game.

Now in its second year, the Season Kickoff Extravaganza has grown into a signature community event for The BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube Hockey Club, bringing together new and returning hockey families ahead of the upcoming season. The event reflects BIGGBY® COFFEE’s ongoing commitment and collaboration with Black Bear Sports Group to support youth hockey and keep the sport accessible for players and families across Michigan. 

Special thanks to the following partners and individuals for making this event possible: Michigan Elite Sports Academy, BIGGBY COFFEE STORE of Brighton, BIGGBY COFFEE STORE of South Lyon and New Hudson, Kensington, our volunteers, Black Bear Sports Group, the celebrities who participated in our game, youth hockey coaches, parents of the participants, and of course, all of our participants. 

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Learn to Play Hockey Participation Surges at Black Bear Michigan Arenas

Sunrise, FL, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Black Bear Sports Group, one of the nation’s premier operators of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues, today announced continued progress in expanding access to youth hockey across its Michigan arenas, where free and low-cost entry-level programming continues to welcome new players to the sport during the 2025-26 season.

From July 2025 through February 2026, Black Bear’s Michigan arenas introduced more than 850 first-time players to hockey through the company’s free Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) program, which is in its inaugural year. Over the same stretch, year-over-year participation in Learn to Play Hockey at Black Bear’s East Lansing arena climbed more than 200%.

Click here to read the full article.

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Free ‘Take a Shot at Hockey’ Program Has Brought More Than 3,200 New Players to the Sport in Inaugural Season

SUNRISE, Fla., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Black Bear Sports Group, one of the nation’s premier operators of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues, today announced significant momentum across its growth of the game programming, with 10,000 kids participating in free and entry-level hockey programs at Black Bear arenas so far this season.

More than 3,200 first-time players have been introduced to the sport through BBSG’s free Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) program in its inaugural year. BBSG’s entry-level player development programs are also thriving, with more than 5,600 players currently building their skills in Black Bear’s Learn to Play Hockey programs and managed clubs, and an additional 1,100 players progressing through NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play programming hosted and supported at Black Bear arenas.

Click here to read the full article.

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Sunrise, FL, April 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Black Bear Sports Group, one of the nation’s premier youth and junior hockey development organizations, is celebrating the 2025-26 junior hockey regular season as the most successful in its history. Three of its teams—the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and the PAL Jr. Islanders of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC)—delivered record-setting performances at the team and individual levels, and saw top program alumni make their mark on NCAA Division I Ice Hockey and the National Hockey League (NHL). The Phantoms and Black Bears also each captured regular season championships in their respective leagues.

Full story – click here.

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NASHUA, N.H., March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), the largest junior hockey league in North America, announced today that seasoned Deputy Commissioner Tony Zasowski will take over as Commissioner effective on March 23rd. Mr. Zasowski replaces Murry N. Gunty, Founder of Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG) and current Interim Commissioner. Mr. Zasowski brings a wealth of hockey experience as a player and as an operating executive. Mr. Zasowski manages all leagues and tournaments for BBSG overseeing more than 1,000 teams and operating hundreds of events throughout the country.

“I have enjoyed my tenure as Commissioner of the USPHL, but it was always my intention that my role was transitional,” said Commissioner Murry N. Gunty. “I took over the league at a critical moment in the evolution of Junior Hockey and I believe I now leave the league in its strongest position in its 12-year history.” Mr. Gunty spent two years as the interim commissioner.

“I am honored to take over as Commissioner of the USPHL,” said Tony Zasowski. “What Mr. Gunty did to transform the USPHL was extraordinary, particularly helping to reposition the NCDC into one of the strongest Tier 2 leagues operating throughout North America, with teams in both the US and Canada. I speak for the League in thanking him for taking over during a turbulent period in the league’s history, bringing critical leadership and stability to the League. I look forward to building upon his legacy.”

“We would like to thank Mr. Gunty for his guidance and leadership over the past two years in helping guide our league,” said Bobby Reiss and Jim Ford, Executive Committee Members. “Mr. Gunty helped transform our League into the number one Junior Hockey League at both the Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels in North America.”

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.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/13/3255539/0/en/United-States-Premier-Hockey-League-Announces-Tony-Zasowski-as-New-Commissioner.html

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Sunrise, FL, March 16, 2026 – Black Bear Sports Group today announced that seasoned operating executive and sports enthusiast Kevin Kuby will take over as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective on March 21. Mr. Kuby replaces Murry N. Gunty, the Founder of Black Bear. Mr. Gunty will be departing from his role to focus on his family office activities as well as health related matters. Mr. Kuby shares a deep love of all sports, particularly hockey and his hometown team the Chicago Blackhawks, and he brings a wealth of multi-unit operating experience.

Most recently, Mr. Kuby has been the CEO of a 200-unit pet supplies chain, a 140-unit general merchandise retail business as well as a 16-unit mall-based retail chain. A former partner with the nationally renowned performance improvement firm Alvarez and Marsal, Mr. Kuby has experience in a wide variety of industries and his expertise will help Black Bear take its mission of growing the sport of youth hockey to the next level.

“Black Bear is my proudest professional achievement, having taken it from a concept and one ice rink to the leading youth hockey ecosystem in the United States and growing our participation levels by four times the national average,” said Founder, Murry N. Gunty. “I leave knowing that the business is in its best shape since I created it 10 years ago and under Kevin’s leadership, I know it is poised to achieve even greater levels of success and expand hockey participation to families all across the country.” Black Bear has developed incredibly affordable and accessible starter programming to increase the number of children and adults who want to start playing the sport of hockey which has driven their outstanding growth and performance. Mr. Kuby is committed to expanding that effort.

“I am honored to take over as Interim Chief Executive of Black Bear,” said Kevin Kuby. “Black Bear continues to have industry leading growth of youth and adult hockey participation, and I expect to accelerate that growth and enhance all of our operations. I also look forward to working closely with USA Hockey, its affiliates and our NHL partner clubs to help grow the sport of hockey.” As part of this leadership change, Tony Zasowski and Andrew Goldman have been appointed Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations for Black Bear, overseeing youth hockey, junior hockey, adult hockey, leagues, tournaments and broadcasting.

“We would like to thank Mr. Gunty for his guidance, leadership and passion over the years in building Black Bear’s highly successful hockey operations,” said Tony Zasowski and Andrew Goldman. “We are honored to take over this position and will ensure that we continue Mr. Gunty’s amazing legacy at Black Bear.”

About Black Bear Sports Group – Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey enthusiasts, Black Bear Sports Group is a premier owner
and operator of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues across the United States. Dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport, Black Bear manages dozens of rinks, teams, and leagues, including the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. Black Bear also offers elite training programs, tournaments, and Black Bear TV, a dedicated streaming platform that increases visibility for athletes. By preserving community rinks and creating development opportunities, Black Bear ensures that hockey and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. For more information, visit www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/16/3256400/0/en/Black-Bear-Sports-Group-Announces-Kevin-Kuby-as-CEO.html

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Kalamazoo, MI, March 12, 2026 – Black Bear Sports Group today announced the next chapter for the former Wings West ice facility in Kalamazoo, which will reopen ahead of the 2026-27 season as BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube – Kalamazoo, through a strategic partnership with Michigan-founded BIGGBY® COFFEE. As part of the arena’s revitalization efforts, Black Bear is bringing new hockey and skating programming, expanding opportunities for community use, and announcing the grand opening of bar-and-grill CD Top Shelf’s debut Kalamazoo location. Public access to the ice is expected to resume in late June with early skating and hockey activity, and broader summer offerings to follow.

Registration will open in April for the first new programs, including ‘Take a Shot at Hockey’ and Foundry Adult Hockey ‘Get in the Game,’ two introductory offerings designed to welcome new participants to the sport. ‘Take a Shot at Hockey’ helps lower the barrier to entry for young players through a beginner-friendly format with equipment included at no cost, while ‘Get in the Game’ creates a structured path for adults who are new to hockey and looking to learn in a supportive setting. The expanded offerings mark a major step in reestablishing the rink as a vibrant year-round destination for Kalamazoo families, athletes, and fans.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Kalamazoo’s ice sports community, with a recent feasibility study’s findings outlining the county’s critical need for new ice, warning of reduced participation, fewer tournaments, and less economic activity generated by visiting teams and families without added capacity. With the former Wings West arena having closed last September due to a refrigeration system failure, the facility’s reopening carries added importance as local, reliable ice access becomes a pressing priority.

Since stepping in, Black Bear has been focused on restoring the rink as a high-quality home for hockey, skating, and community gathering in Kalamazoo. As part of the facility’s next chapter, BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube – Kalamazoo will feature a broad lineup of programming designed to serve players and skaters across ages and skill levels. Offerings will include learn-to-play hockey, youth house league programming, adult hockey, learn-to-skate programming, camps, clinics, public skating, and other drop-in opportunities designed to keep the rink active and accessible throughout the year.

The partnership between Black Bear Sports Group and Michigan-founded BIGGBY® COFFEE is rooted in a shared belief that strong rink communities help grow the game. The collaboration pairs Black Bear’s experience building hockey and skating pathways with BIGGBY® COFFEE’s deep Michigan ties and long-standing emphasis on showing up for local communities.

“We built BIGGBY in Michigan, and Kalamazoo is a special place for me personally,” said Mike McFall, Co-Founder and CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE. “Bringing this facility back with more happening in it, more people coming through it, and more reasons to rally around it reflects the same concept behind our stores – building community hubs.”

The arena’s relaunch will also include the upcoming debut of CD Top Shelf’s first Kalamazoo location, bringing a new bar-and-grill to the arena for players, parents, and anyone spending time at the rink. With roots in Michigan and existing locations in Brighton and Chelsea, CD Top Shelf is known for quality food and a casual, welcoming atmosphere, making it a natural addition to the arena’s off-ice amenities.

“This facility has meant a lot to Kalamazoo over the years, and bringing it back the right way means giving people more reasons to use it and enjoy it,” said Scott Branovan, Black Bear Sports Group’s Regional Director of Operations for Michigan, Ohio and Western PA. “The goal is for it to feel busy, welcoming, and full of life again, with something happening across the calendar for the families and athletes it serves.”

About Black Bear Sports Group
Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey enthusiasts, Black Bear Sports Group is a premier owner and operator of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues across the United States. Dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport, Black Bear manages dozens of rinks, teams, and leagues, including the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. Black Bear also offers elite training programs, tournaments, and Black Bear TV, a dedicated streaming platform that increases visibility for athletes. By preserving community rinks and creating development opportunities, Black Bear ensures that hockey and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. For more information, visit www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

About BIGGBY® COFFEE
‍BIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 460 locations across 13 states. Since opening its first store in 1995, BIGGBY® has remained 100% franchise-owned and operates under a fully franchised business model designed to help local entrepreneurs grow successful, community-minded businesses. The company is guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to values-aligned growth — supporting franchise owners and baristas, creating positive experiences for guests, and partnering with coffee producers who treat people well, respect the environment and invest in their communities. In 2024, BIGGBY® introduced a refined visual identity anchored by the tagline BIGGBY® Makes it Better, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to consistent quality, human connection and uplifting everyday interactions. For more information on BIGGBY® COFFEE or franchise opportunities, visit www.biggby.com.

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Black Bear Sports Group, the premier owner and operator of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues across the U.S., today announced new ownership of Holland Ice Arena and Hudsonville Ice Arena, marking a new chapter for two beloved West Michigan rinks. Formerly Griff’s IceHouse West and Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena, both facilities will undergo significant repairs and improvements supporting the uninterrupted continuation of all current programming through the 2025-26 season.

Black Bear Sports Group operates ice arenas across the country, with a commitment to protecting and expanding access to hockey and ice sports. By preserving rinks, supporting player development, and fostering strong skating communities, Black Bear seeks to ensure that hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.

As part of the transition, Black Bear will facilitate repairs and improvements and explore cosmetic upgrades across both locations that are expected to total in the millions, with a focus on core infrastructure that directly impacts ice quality, long term structural integrity, indoor air quality, and in rink comfort.

Planned work includes renovating or replacing key systems such as the ice plant, subfloor components, and dehumidification equipment, which support consistent ice conditions and help protect the buildings’ infrastructure. Together, these repairs and upgrades will create a reliable, comfortable environment for every skater, coach, and family who walks through the doors, helping both arenas serve West Michigan for years to come.

“These arenas are a home base for many athletes and families in West Michigan,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We’re proud to support that tradition and do the essential work that keeps these rinks reliable and the experience consistent for years to come. Our focus is on ensuring the next generation of skaters has a great place to learn, compete, and grow.”

About Black Bear Sports Group
Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey enthusiasts, Black Bear Sports Group is a closely held private company, and a premier owner and operator of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues across the United States. Dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport, Black Bear manages dozens of rinks, teams, and leagues, including the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. Black Bear also offers elite training programs, tournaments, and Black Bear TV, a dedicated streaming platform that increases visibility for athletes. By preserving community rinks and creating development opportunities, Black Bear ensures that hockey and other ice sports remain accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. For more information, visit www.blackbearsportsgroup.com.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/25/3244748/0/en/Black-Bear-Sports-Gr%5B%E2%80%A6%5De-Ice-Arena-Millions-in-Facility-Improvements-Planned.html

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