Black Bear Sports Group will manage and maintain Adelard Arena while Mount continues facility ownership
October 8, 2024 (WOONSOCKET) – Mount Saint Charles Academy (MSC) has entered into a long-term agreement for Black Bear Sports Group to manage the historic Adelard Arena. As part of that agreement, Black Bear Sports will assume all facility operations functions. In addition, Black Bear Sports will also assume management of the National Powerhouse Academy hockey teams including the Junior Mounties USA Hockey teams, formerly known as the Rhode Island Saint M’s. Mount Saint Charles will retain ownership of the storied arena.
As part of the transaction, Bruce Berard will be named President of the Junior Mounties. Bruce and his family are legends in the New England hockey community and his involvement in this transaction will also be instrumental to our hockey teams’ success.
“This is a great evolution of our hockey academy and Adelard Arena – by entering into a multi-faceted partnership with a group like Black Bear that has the expertise in elite sports management to accelerate the growth of all of our programs,” said Mount President Alan Tenreiro. “By having Black Bear take over managing those programs and that arena, it frees up school resources so we can do what we do best: cultivating a school community that educates the whole student.”
The nationally recognized hockey academy, home of the U14 USA Hockey National Champions, will continue to offer the same experience for student-athletes who are members of the academy teams under the direction of Devin Rask. Students who are part of the academy will continue to benefit from Mount Saint Charles’ top tier academic and extracurricular programs, and they will continue to be members of the re-christened Junior Mounties at the U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. Black Bear Sports Group will maintain and upgrade the arena, manage scheduling and marketing of the building’s facilities, and manage the Junior Mountie coaching staff, schedules, and teams. Black Bear Sports will also investigate the installation of an additional sheet of ice adjacent to Adelard Arena.
The facility’s upkeep and improvements also benefit Mount Saint Charles Academy’s NEPSAC-affiliated prep school varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams. In addition, Mount’s champion-producing Sur la Glace figure skating program will also continue to call Adelard Arena home.
Tenreiro continued: “Continuous improvement of all of our facilities, whether through partnerships like this one or direct investments like our new athletic fields, benefits all of our students. NEPSAC competitive athletes and gym classes are obvious benefactors, of course, but the school events will bring students together in these improved spaces.”
“What Mount Saint Charles has created is unparalleled in New England – a true school based academy with elite, Nationally ranked hockey teams,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We thank them for the opportunity to build on their prior success and believe that involving this rink and their teams in our family of rinks, leagues and tournaments will elevate both of us to even greater success.”
“We’re excited about all of our hockey teams – the Junior Mounties and our NEPSAC prep school teams – playing on the Adelard ice this season,” continued Tenreiro. “This opens doors for extending the academy concept to girls’ teams in the future, and continuing to provide top quality facilities for all of our athletes.”
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 Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation is excited for its first Federation Education Series guest this season. This series will feature presentations for our players, families, and coaches on the landscape of hockey and Player Development. The first presentation will feature Ken Martel from USA Hockey.
With over 25 years of experience in player development and a long history as a coach with USA Hockey, Ken Martel was named senior director of player and coach development in November 2022. He is charged with helping provide a framework for associations nationwide to follow for optimal athlete development.
Martel has made appearances behind the bench of nine U.S. teams that have competed in International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, including four times with the U.S. National Under-18 Team (2000-04), four times with the U.S. National Junior Team (2004, 2006, 2008-09) and once with the U.S. Women’s National Team (2007).
All are welcome to attend however, the presentation is targeted toward 8U to 12U ages. The presentation will cover player development, growth in hockey, what makes for a great youth sports experience, learning in an athletic context, and more.
“Intro to Hockey”
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 7:00 pm EST
RSVP: Register here
This webinar will take approximately 30 minutes with time for a Q&A
Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage arena in Detroit
Brighton, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has taken over the operations of the arena commonly known as the Kensington Valley Ice House (the “Arena”). The Arena features three ice sheets, a bar/restaurant and a concessions area. The Arena is home to the Kensington Valley Hockey Association, Brighton High School, South Lyon Unified, and various other local high schools, clubs and adult hockey leagues. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.
“Detroit-East Lansing is a powerhouse hockey and figure skating market and we are proud to now operate four facilities and ten sheets of ice in the region,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “Hockey is a way of life in Brighton and the surrounding communities, and we look forward to providing customers with a first-class facility for many years to come.”
The Arena is located east of Brighton, right off I-96, and is situated between Black Bear’s other facilities in East Lansing and Ann Arbor. All existing programming at the Arena will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink.
“We look forward to working with the clubs and organizations based out of Kensington Valley,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “KVHA and Brighton High School are very strong programs with robust community support. We look forward to sharing our hockey resources and supporting the winning traditions these clubs have established.”
The transaction closed on February 1st, 2024.
About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or underperforming facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 37 facilities across the United States with 72 sheets of indoor ice, 4 indoor turf fields, 34 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, National Girls Hockey League), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and The Show Tournaments), seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and the Eastern Hockey League, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey organization in the USA.
National Girls Hockey League and Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation member Princeton Tiger Lilies’ General Manager, Shelley Looney, has recently been honored with induction into the prestigious Beanpot Hall of Fame. Hailing from Brownstown, MI, Looney is a distinguished figure in women’s hockey, having been a key member of the first US Women’s Olympic Hockey team that clinched gold in Nagano in 1998.
During her collegiate years at Northeastern University, Looney, who proudly wore the captain’s “C” for the Huskies in her senior year, showcased exceptional skill, amassing 68 goals and 59 assists for a remarkable 127 points in just 106 games. Her pivotal role in the 1994 Beanpot Championship against Harvard, where she contributed a goal and two assists, played a crucial part in the Huskies’ triumphant 6-2 victory, earning her the coveted Beanpot MVP title.
Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Looney was named to the Beanpot’s 40th Anniversary All-Women’s team in 2018. Adding to her accolades, she was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame last week, just before the 2024 Championship game. Remarkably, her alma mater once again emerged victorious in the tournament, echoing the triumph she and the 1994 Huskies achieved three decades earlier.
In Summer of 2023, Looney assumed the role of General Manager for the Princeton Tiger Lilies, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. Prior to this, she had distinguished herself as a coach at Lindenwood University, University of Vermont, the Buffalo Beauts (NWHL/PHF) and various coaching roles within the Team USA Women’s National Team programs. As one of the trailblazers of women’s hockey in the United States, Looney boasts an impressive resume, including 1 Olympic Gold (where she scored the game-winning goal in the 1998 Gold Medal Game), 1 Olympic Silver, 7 World Championship Silvers, and 1 World Championship Gold. Her legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in the sport.
About Princeton Tiger Lilies
Since 1992, Princeton Tiger Lilies has fielded competitive Tier I and Tier II teams at various age levels. PTL is committed to providing elite hockey training, education, mentorship, and resources. They invest in player development at all levels, tailoring their programs specifically to their athletes to help them achieve their goals.
Many of their coaches are women who played at the highest levels, including NCAA Division I, professional, and the national team. They are passionate about growing the game and sharing their knowledge and experience to develop our players into strong, confident leaders.
Reposted by Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation
In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity in youth hockey, the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation proudly announces its scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 season, providing a total of $44,900 in financial aid to 64 deserving children. Established in 2020, the foundation aims to eliminate financial barriers hindering youth hockey participation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and life lessons that the sport offers. Through individual grants and sponsored programs, the foundation strives to ease the financial stress many families face in affording equipment and ice time. Youth hockey, known for cultivating friendships, teamwork, and accountability, becomes an accessible avenue for all, nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport.
Stories of Triumph and Dedication:
Michael Edelstein: A dedicated player on the Grundy Senators 12U hockey team, Michael Edelstein’s journey into hockey began at the age of three. Despite financial challenges, Michael’s single mom supports his passion, and the Black Bear Hockey Foundation scholarship serves as a crucial support, enabling him to continue thriving on the ice.
The Turpin Family: June, James, and Jackson Turpin of the Maryland Jr. Black Bears express their deep gratitude as recipients of the Black Bear Hockey Foundation scholarship. Despite facing financial strains due to their dad’s surgery, the scholarship has allowed them to persist in their love for hockey.
Noah Krasner: A devoted player for the Igloo Jaguars since the age of five, Noah Krasner considers hockey more than just a game—it’s his life. The scholarship, received last year, proved transformative as Noah moved to the 16u level, enhancing both his skills and maturity. Noah’s unwavering work ethic and commitment make him a deserving candidate for ongoing support.
Paulina Rucz: Overcoming the challenges of a rare heart defect, Paulina Rucz, a resilient player on the 16U Elite Islanders Girls team, has defied the odds. The scholarship, received last year, eased financial strain for her mother amid layoffs. Paulina’s remarkable achievements, including MVP and Top Scorer, reflect her dedication, and she looks forward to the continued support of the scholarship in pursuing her dreams in the National Women’s Hockey League.
Scholarship Recipients
Michael Edelstein
Kamil Szumigraj
Shawn Gearl
Chase Clouser
Hunter Brown
Paulina Rucz
Isaiah Scanlon
Bryston Elgalady
Jean-Paul Dominguez
Alexander Udal
Ivan Shuminski
Chyna Taylor
Jack McKenzie
Jack Doran
Noah Krasner
Nicolette Gentile
Evan Elias
Gemma Graeff
Yahor Putau
Christian Blood
Leland Williams
David Dziomba
Richard G Volgraf (Jr.)
Frank Rosenberry
Xavier Jamison
Kele Aragon
Carlo Pietroboni
Ella Doran
Peyton Hull
Aidan Shine
Braydon Hammond
Ara Landskroener
Antons Podskocijs
Jackson Turpin
James Turpin
June Turpin
Jan Eschler
Brayden Lodise
Amelia Smith
Alexander Kuznikov
Ethan Kotecki
Austin Kotecki
Noah Kotecki
Liam Garten
Camerom Feeley
Avah Williams
Mark Gusev
Chloe Makinson
Draek Davis
Noah Desotti
Keegan Champagne
Preston Champagne
Javion Drupp
Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage arena in Detroit
Hazel Park, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has taken over the operations of the arena commonly known as Hazel Park Viking Ice Arena (the “Arena”). The Arena features two ice sheets, a gym, and a concessions area. The Arena is home to the Little Caesars Hockey Club, International Stars Youth Hockey, the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and various other local high schools and clubs. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.
“We are excited to announce Black Bear’s continued expansion in Detroit,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “The City of Hazel Park was fantastic to work with on this deal and we are looking forward to expanding operations and programming so the rink continues to serve as an important resource for the community.”
The Arena opened in 1999 and is centrally located near the intersection of Interstates 75 and 696. All existing programming will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink. However, with the strong, central location in Detroit metro area, Black Bear expects this rink to serve as an important hub for events including hockey tournaments and showcases.
“We plan to make some improvements during the first year of operations,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “Many skaters rely on this rink for games, practices, and family fun, and we expect our operating team to begin implementing more introductory programming while maintaining quality ice and amenities for the Arena’s customers.”
The transaction closed on June 29, 2023.
About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or underperforming facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 36 facilities across the United States with 68 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 34 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, National Girls Hockey League), a tournament business (Defender Hockey Tournaments), seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and the Eastern Hockey League, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey organization in the USA.
Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation was formed in 2020 to remove financial barriers to youth hockey. Through individual grants and sponsored programming, the foundation’s goal is to increase American youth hockey participation and ease the financial stress that many families undertake to afford equipment and ice time. Youth hockey cultivates friendships, teamwork and accountability. Most importantly, players develop a lifetime passion for the sport. Join us today and donate as we lend a hand to the next generation of hockey players to create opportunities for all children to play ice hockey.
Scholarship applications will open May 1st, 2023 for the upcoming 2023-24 hockey season.
First round applications will be open until June 15th and recipients will be notified by July 10th. Second round for players trying out in the Fall will be August 1st – September 15th and recipients will be notified by October 10th.
Who can apply?
- Athletes 18 and under are eligible to apply for a scholarship once per calendar year
- Complete the application in its entirety, including the attachment below
- If your application is approved for a scholarship you will be notified by email
Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage East Lansing Arena
East Lansing, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired the arena commonly known as Suburban Ice East Lansing, which, as part of the transaction, has been renamed the East Lansing Ice Cube (the “Arena”). The Arena features two ice sheets, a gym, and a pro shop. The Arena is home to the Lansing Hockey Club, the Lansing Skating Club, and certain Biggby Youth Hockey AAA teams. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.
“We’re proud to continue expansion in Michigan,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear, “We believe it is one of the top, if not the very best hockey and figure skating market in the country. Tom Anastos and the Suburban Ice team were excellent operators in Lansing and we are excited to continue to operate a first-class facility for the community.”
The Arena was built in 1999 and is located next to Michigan State University. Lansing Hockey Club, Lansing Skating Club, Biggby Youth AAA Hockey, and existing adult, high school and learn to play programs will continue to be the largest users of ice at the Arena. All existing programming will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink.
“We are stepping into a community with a rich skating and hockey history,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “Many youth and adult skaters are proud to call this Arena their home ice and we are excited to be a part of the next chapter of developing the Greater Lansing area’s next skaters.”
About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or underperforming facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 35 facilities across the United States with 66 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 34 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and Foundry Adult Hockey), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and the National Girls Hockey League), and seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and the Eastern Hockey League.
Source: Black Bear Sports Group
Games will count in both standings for members
The National Girls Hockey League and Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation have teamed up to offer a unique 5-6 event membership package that includes showcases and playoffs for the AGHF and tournaments and National Championships for the NGHL. The AGHF currently serves as the primary league for Mid-Atlantic based clubs with opportunities for scheduling partnerships and partial season membership, while the NGHL acts as a showcase league providing a supplementary schedule for teams located anywhere in the U.S. with event locations primarily hosted in the East, Central, and Mountain states regions.
The AGHF/NGHL combo package is the perfect solution for clubs outside of the East Coast geography that cannot schedule home and away loose games to meet AGHF requirements, but are seeking top competition. This package allows clubs to double-count NGHL games in the standings of both the NGHL and the AGHF. Games played at NGHL events count toward the AGHF’s home and away “loose games” minimum to qualify for AGHF playoffs!
Participating teams receive at least 2 AGHF showcases, AGHF playoffs, and 3 NGHL events for a total of 5-6 weekends and a minimum of 20-23 games. Teams will compete in separate playoff championships for the NGHL Championship and the AGHF Championship.
| Divisions | Package | Package Price | Package Discount | AGHF Playoff Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10U and 12U | NGHL Membership (2 events + playoffs), 2 AGHF Showcases and Playoffs | $9,195 | 9.7% | $0 Everyone makes Playoffs for 10U-12U |
| 14U | NGHL Membership (2 events + playoffs), 2 AGHF Showcases and Playoffs | $9,195 | 11.5% | $995 |
| 16U and 19U | NGHL Membership (2 events + playoffs), 2 AGHF Showcases and Playoffs | $9,895 | 11.5% | $995 |
The AGHF/NGHL combo package is an excellent opportunity for clubs to play against teams from around the country and compete at a high level in both leagues. The first 5 teams to sign will receive $500 off the package price. Don’t miss out on this chance to showcase your team’s talent and compete for championship titles. Contact nikki@atlanticgirlshockeyfederation.com to learn more about the membership package and how to register.
Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear acquires Newington Ice Arena
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 rinks 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) 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.
Source: Black Bear Sports Group