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.
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
Repost from SJHA.com
LADY A’S BRING HOME THE HARDWARE
Dateline: Presidents Day February 21st Saint Louis Missouri National Girls Hockey League Championship – 12U Division
The experience was one to write home about. Coaches who have coached for 20+ years said they have never been to a more exciting game. The players were overwhelmed with exhaustion and parents were covering the eyes to hide the outcome. If you were there it was a hockey treat but the weekend didn’t start out that way.
Struggling to score a goal in game one the Lady Admirals lost to the Princeton Tiger Lilies #6 in the nation at Tier2 0-4. The players were downtrodden and families were thinking about how much money they spent traveling to Saint Louis for the National Girls Hockey League Championship. Could the girls dig deep and rebound with some wins?
Games two, three, and four all ended in shootouts and the Lady Admirals won two out of three. The wins propelled the Lady Admirals into the championship against the Princeton Tiger Lilies. With revenge on their minds and a second-to-none fan base of parents and players from all three Lady Admirals teams the girls jumped out to a 1 goal lead against a goalie who had not been scored on the whole tournament (1-0). The tiger lilies tied up the game in the second period (1-1). The Lady Admirals followed with goal two and three in the third period (3-1).
The Tiger Lilies countered with goal number two late in the third period (3-2). But the Lady Admirals held on and overcame all odds to beat the top team of the tournament and bring home not only their first tournament championship win but the Nationals Girls Hockey League Championship Trophy.
The whole team won these games and the coaching staff managed the team with great skill in the final game. Congratulations to the Lady Admirals 12U team! The championship will always be remembered as one of the greatest tournament wins in Lady Admiral’s history.
We are proud of every single player. It was an incredible weekend for the winning team and an incredible experience for everyone that was there.
This years’ MLK Winter Classic had a few firsts for the NGHL…
- We were in 5 states – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. That was a lot of ground to cover and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our rink managers, the rink GMs, scorekeepers, and local families who stepped up to help.
- We held a 10U/12U showcase, something we’ll do more of next year.
What we learned…
- Weather reports vary in their veracity and our parents are expert snow shovelers. Families who came to Buffalo wrapped up their experience with a snowstorm that tested everyone’s grit. Thankfully, Buffalo DOT were pros and got the main roads cleared quickly, and refs, scorekeepers, and parents came with a “go the flow” attitude, drove carefully, and our games went on.
- Families in Nashville were faced with the prospect of an ice storm, something southern cities aren’t as equipped to handle as our northern cities. Although some accumulation did happen, families made their way to the rink.
- Team managers were on top of their game – sharing communications, managing plans, and keeping skaters and parents on schedule.
- Medals for our youngest champs are a great addition to a team banner.
We were fortunate enough to have Matt from MS Films at our 16U-19U event in Providence. Matt’s hockey videos are pretty amazing.
You can see more pictures and videos on our Instagram MLK Winter Classic Event Highlights
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NASHVILLE WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MLK MA WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MLK PROVIDENCE WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MLK BUFFALO 12U WINNER
… and to all the participating teams for a job well done. Your hard work and successes won’t soon be forgotten!
The NGHL Columbus Day Showcase, Blue Division – October 9 – 11, 2021 – had games at Black Bear rinks Palmer Imaging Arena and Pittsburgh Ice Arena (PIA).
Thirty-six teams across 4 divisions – 12U – 19U – played across three days. We had lots of teams sharing their experience on social media – tap on the Instagram event highlight to see pictures and videos of the event!
We’d like to congratulate all the division winners:
- 12U – Adirondack 46ers
- 14U – Steel City Selects
- 16U – Adirdonack 46ers
- 19U – Steel City Selects
We truly appreciate all the teams that came out to skate!
