Under the steadfast leadership of Leslie Case and the team including Jeremy Dallow, John Opie, Andrew Coyne, and Julia Duncan, the NGHL has quickly established itself as the nationwide league for talented female athletes aged 10U through 19U at Tier I and Tier II levels. The league’s members have the privilege of participating in showcases that provide invaluable exposure to college scouts, culminating with highly anticipated league championships held in February. These events are well organized and held at top venues and desirable scouting locations, ensuring maximum visibility for aspiring players.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past five years, Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, acknowledged the significant impact of the NGHL in the hockey community. “Congratulations to Leslie Case and her team for a tremendous first five years,” said Gunty. “The NGHL serves a significant role in growing the girls’ game across the nation. The NGHL events are well organized with impeccable communication and have proven to raise our member’s profile nationally.”
Through its unwavering dedication, the NGHL has inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams on the ice. The league’s commitment to providing a competitive and supportive environment has resulted in the development of well-rounded athletes who embody the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
As the NGHL embarks on its fifth season, it remains steadfast in the mission of its founder Kathryn Kehoe to empower girls in hockey and elevate the sport to new heights. The league will continue to prioritize player development and expand its reach to more communities to shape the future of girls’ hockey.
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.
Club to relocate to Ann Arbor and operate boys and girls AAA Tier 1, Tier 2 Travel & Tier 3 House Hockey
Ann Arbor, MI – The Ann Arbor Ice Cube (AAIC) has been named the new home of the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club beginning Spring 2023. The new club will offer youth hockey teams for all youth players at every skill level, Instructional, House (T3), Travel (T2), and AAA (T1). Before this merger, Biggby rostered both boys’ and girls’ teams at the AAA- T1 level. With this new partnership, all levels of youth hockey in Ann Arbor will be rostered under the Biggby Hockey Club name. As part of a new partnership between AAIC’s new operator, Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG), and the Biggby club, the arena has hired full-time staff to bolster its year-round hockey programs and offerings. Beginning with the 2023-24 season, players rostered under Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association (AAAHA) Travel and House teams will roster under Biggby Coffee Hockey Club. AAIC remains the home ice arena of Ann Arbor residents and current AAAHA players. Current players will be directed to AAA and Travel tryouts or House registrations. Peggy Costello, current Executive Director of AAAHA will transition to a new role as Director of Hockey Operations for AAIC and the Biggby Coffee Youth Club, and together with Tom Berry, Executive Director of Biggby AAA Hockey, will lead all hockey operations for the club and the rink.
The expanded Biggby Coffee Hockey Club is projected to have 600+ members comprising of Learn to Play Programs, Introductory Leagues, and all three levels (AAA, Travel, and House) of boys and girls hockey providing the community with hockey opportunities for all ages and skill levels. New jerseys will be provided for all members. Other key highlights of the partnership include:
- Exposure for Tier 2 Travel & House players to Tier 1 coaches and trainers
- Full-time, professional staff managing year-round hockey programs.
- Consolidation improves the player pool and consistency of level of play.
- Tier 1 advancement opportunities in the same arena for boys and girls
- Increased off-season programming and skill development opportunities at the rink.
- Black Bear Sports Group’s Free Gear “Rookie Program” for first-time players.
- For players with college hockey ambition, access, and exposure to Black Bear’s affiliated Junior Hockey clubs: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Maryland Black Bears (NAHL), Mercer Chiefs (NCDC), and Team Maryland (EHL)
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 34 facilities across the United States with 64 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 31 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 four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Premier Hockey League NCDC and the Eastern Hockey League.
About Tom Berry, Executive Director of Biggby AAA Hockey – Tom Berry has been involved in Hockey since 2001 coaching from the mite house level to coaching and scouting in Junior Hockey. He has served as the Director of WMEHC now Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey since 2007. He has been a Director at MAHA for the past five years.
About Peggy Costello, Incoming Director of Hockey Operations – Peggy brings 15 years of experience in youth hockey operations, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association for the past 7 years. Peggy also currently serves as a District Director for the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association.
About Biggby Coffee Hockey Club – Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey which is the sole sponsor of WMEHC, a Tier 1 affiliate in Michigan, was started 15 years ago and has made its purpose to develop and advance Michigan players to the Highest level. Biggby AAA has placed over 100 boys in Girls in Junior and college hockey respectively making it one of the most successful youth hockey programs in Michigan. Our mission is to provide Elite youth boys and girls hockey players in West Michigan and the out-state communities the opportunity to maximize his/her potential. The West Michigan Elite Hockey Club will provide a competitive learning atmosphere where players, coaches, families, and organizations are committed to long-term development.
About Ann Arbor Ice Cube – Ann Arbor Ice Cube, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-sheet facility located in Ann Arbor, Michigan also known as A2Ice3. The arena measures around 160,000 square feet and includes two NHL-sized ice rinks and one OLY-sized ice rink. The facility has multiple tenants as well as a concessions stand. The arena provides a home for various ice skating and hockey programs, regular public skating sessions, the Ann Arbor Adult Hockey League, and is the home arena for the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club, Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, Perani’s Hockey World, Michigan Medicine MedSport, Advantage Strength & Conditioning, Huron HS Hockey Team, Pioneer HS Hockey Team, Saline HS Hockey Team, Father Gabriel Richard/Greenhills HS Hockey Team, EMU Club Hockey Team, and Wolverine Sports Club Speed Skating. For more, go to www.a2ice3.com.
Congratulations to the NGHL members who made it to USA Hockey’s Nationals Championships, March 30 – April 3, 2023.
- Florida Alliance, 16UAAA
- Florida Alliance, 19UAAA
- Princeton Tiger Lilies, 14UAA
- New Jersey Bandits, 16UAA
- St. James Hockey, 16UAA
- Utah Lady Grizzlies, 16UAA
- Philadelphia Little Flyers, 19UAA
- Syracuse Valley Eagles, 19UAA
- Arizona Kachinas, 19UAA
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE USA CHAMPIONS AND FINALISTS
The Blue Division Championships were held in St. Louis, MP over the weekend of February 18-20, 2023. Games were held at the beautiful Centene Community Ice Center, our 3rd year at this stunning facility. Our Members-only event hosted 18 teams in the 14U, 16U, and 19U divisions. We saw some exciting hockey over the weekend with teams from Arizona, Idaho, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. It is always gratifying to see such passionate and talented players! We appreciate that hockey travel can be a lot and appreciate our team’s commitment to the NGHL.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE 2022-23 CHAMPIONS!
TOP PERFORMER
The NGHL acknowledges Top Performers at each age division for NGHL Members at our events.
PATHWAY TO COLLEGE
A big THANK YOU to Lindenwood ACHA Coach Andrew Miller, who joined us to talk about the pathway to college hockey.
There were documenting the event on social and have lots of great pictures in our Instagram Highlights – Blue Cup 2023. Take a look.
Lastly, we’d like to thank our event sponsors Biosteel. BioSteel was very generous in providing sugar-free sports hydration mix, water bottles, and towels for the athletes. They’ve also offered our community 30% off all products at biosteel.com. Use code: NGHL30 when ordering online BioSteel.com.
Event apparel is available for purchase online…
The Futures Division Championships were held in the New England Sports Center, February 10-12, 2023. This was our first season having a structured Futures Division. Growing the game is a vital part of the NGHL; if we don’t plant the seeds for growth the future of girls’ hockey won’t thrive. We will continue to support the youngest players with structured events so they can gain experience develop their skills and face new competition.
We saw some exciting hockey over the weekend with teams from Washington state, Nevada, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. It is always gratifying to see such passionate and talented players!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022-23 FUTURES DIVISION CHAMPIONS!
TOP PERFORMERS
The NGHL acknowledges Top Performers at each age division for NGHL Members at our events.
There were documenting the event on social and have lots of great pictures and video in our Instagram Highlights – Futures Cup 2023.
Lastly, we’d like to thank our event sponsor Biosteel. BioSteel provided sugar-free sports hydration mix to the athletes and product to acknowledge those players who contributed to their team’s success over the weekend. They’ve also offered our community 30% off all products at biosteel.com. Use code: NGHL30 when ordering online BioSteel.com.
Event apparel is available for purchase online…
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