Team member John Flynn shared with us who the team is and just how he came across the opportunity that will take them to Wisconsin, "The Bandits ... a band of Brothers (and Sisters) brought together by our love of ice hockey. The Game gets us together for an hour+, once a week for camaraderie, fellowship, libations ... and a little exercise. We come from all age groups and all walks of life. I just happened upon a promotion for the 2022 USA Hockey/Labatt Blue Pond Hockey National Championships in Eagle River, WI. The pictures of the rinks shoveled on the lake takes you right back to where it all began. Many of us had our first hockey experience on the lakes, ponds, and creeks of our youth. It was the lore of Pond Hockey!  So, why not? I entered Bandits, almost on a whim, in the contest offered by AAHA/USA Hockey to win a trip to this unique event. We won! Win includes airfare, lodging, and entrance fee. This really completes the circle for many us old puckers. A true bucket list item!"

Captain of the Bandits, Alan Piper, excitedly remarked, "Most of us didn't even know that teammate John Flynn entered us in the contest!" Nonetheless, 7 eager skaters of the Bandits team will be heading to compete in the Championships in just a couple weeks!

The attached photo was taken after a recent Bandits game at Twin Ponds Ice Arena.
The Pond Hockey tournament is 4 vs 4 skaters, with no goalie.

6 of the 7 skaters going to the Pond Hockey tournament are in the photo:
Chris Fencel
John Flynn
Steve Madden
Adrian Piper
Alan Piper
Dave Ullmann
Tom Robbins is not in the photo.

Glen Ellyn, IL- Black Bear Sports Group is proud to announce that the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (“AHAI”) has approved a new Tier II youth hockey club charter that will call Center Ice of DuPage home. The DuPage Black Bears teams will start play for the 2022/23 hockey season. Scott Maeder has been named Hockey Director of the Black Bears and Center Ice of DuPage while Gregg Naumenko will serve as the Black Bears Club President.

“Our mission is to grow hockey participation in the local communities our ice arenas serve,” said Black Bear Sports Group Founder and CEO, Murry Gunty“, we are extremely proud to usher in a new era of quality youth hockey to Chicagoland...........the DuPage Black Bears.”

Information will be out shortly on spring and summer opportunities to take the ice with Coach Maeder on the Center Ice of DuPage website.

Contact: Scott Maeder, Hockey Director ScottMaeder@centericeofdupage.com 

​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 30 facilities  across the United States with 55 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 18
youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls
Hockey League), the nation's largest adult hockey organization (Foundry Adult Hockey)
and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

About DuPage Black Bears
The club will be led by Hockey Director Scott Maeder and President Gregg Naumenko and based out of Center Ice of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL
.
Coach Maeder has thirty years of Illinois youth hockey coaching experience at the Tier I and Tier II levels, specializing in skill development at all levels, Mite through Midget. Many of the players that Scott has developed have maintained a passion for the game throughout the years and have moved on to play in Juniors, College and Pro. Scott’s philosophy is to build each player’s foundation through fundamental skill development in a positive environment. He creates smart players with a deep hockey sense and a love for the sport.

Gregg Naumenko is a Chicago native and played youth hockey in the area until the age of 14. Gregg then embarked on a four year Junior career before playing Div. 1 for The University of Alaska Anchorage. One of seven Illinois born goalies to ever play in the NHL (Mighty Ducks), Gregg enjoyed a career that had several stops where he was able to play for some of the top hockey minds in the world. After retiring from pro hockey, Gregg came back to his roots in Chicago to start his coaching career where he could start giving back to the game. He has spent several years on the AHAI and Central District player development committees as well as coaching at USA Hockey’s National Select Festivals. Gregg has coached nearly 2000 games with recent stops in the USHL as Associate Coach and Assistant G.M. of the Omaha Lancers.
The DuPage Black Bears website will be launched in the coming weeks with more club information and new staff position postings.

Bethesda, MD - Today, Black Bear Sports Group’s most recent vertically integrated program expansion, Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A. launched five adult hockey tournament events branded the Keg Cup Series. 

The Foundry Adult Hockey Tournaments Keg Cup Series locations include: 
Pittsburgh, Palmer Imaging Arena, April 29 through May 1 
Newark, Delaware, Patriot Ice Center, May 13 through May 15
Philadelphia, Grundy Arena, July 15 through July 17
Wall Township, Jersey, Jersey Shore Ice Arena, July 22 through July 24 
Pittsburgh, Printscape Arena at Southpointe, July 22 through July 24

“This is another extraordinary offering from our emerging Foundry Adult Hockey business,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. “The Keg Cup Series will be sure to provide an outstanding adult hockey tournament experience in conveniently located markets, at great ice arenas.”

“We are excited to be able to offer innovative adult hockey tournament events with The Keg Cup Series in these key markets this spring and summer,” said Matthew Kiernan, VP of Hockey for Black Bear Sports Group. “This is yet another value-added offering for the adult hockey enthusiast for all players, advanced to beginner, from Foundry Adult Hockey.”

About Foundry Adult Hockey - Foundry Adult Hockey is the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A. With Foundry Adult Hockey, you can Play Your Game. As a hockey enthusiast, you can learn the game and or play the game whenever you want, wherever you want, and at any level you want. For more information, www.foundryadulthockey.com/getinthegame

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 30 facilities across the United States with 55 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 18 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League), the nation’s largest adult hockey organization (Foundry Adult Hockey) and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, and Eastern Hockey League.

Hartford, CT – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Enfield Twin Rinks in Enfield, CT (the “Arena”). The deal is expected to close in the next 30 days. The Arena features two NHL ice sheets and is the home rink for more than five local high schools. Enfield Twin Rinks is the proud home of the MassConn United Youth Hockey Club and the Enfield Eagles Youth Hockey Association. The Sellers were Keith and Brian Hillebrecht. Black Bear named Sean Provost as the incoming General Manager and Hockey Director. Black Bear, the largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

“The rink is a cornerstone of this community and my father and I are pleased to pass the torch to Black Bear Sports Group to ensure that the Enfield Twin Rinks has many bright years ahead,” said Keith Hillebrecht, co-owner and seller. “I am thrilled that Black Bear has selected Sean to lead the rink and the MassConn United. Sean is both a friend and an excellent hockey coach.”

“We are excited to continue our Connecticut expansion with this transaction,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “The Enfield Twin Rinks has a rich history of skating and youth hockey and we’re thrilled to continue the operations of the MassConn United and the partnerships with the local high schools and youth clubs. The Eastern Hockey Federation and the New England Girl’s Hockey League are the top youth leagues and the country and we our proud to have our United teams compete in these elite leagues.”

Sean Provost will immediately begin meeting with players and customers to avoid any disruption in operations. Coach Provost is a Springfield, MA, native with deep experience coaching youth hockey in New England.
​
“Our mission at the United will be to develop and advance youth hockey players,” said Sean Provost, incoming Hockey Director at the Arena. “We expect to grow both the girls and boys program at the rink and provide even more value for our customers with Black Bear’s resources. The future of the rink and the United remains bright!”

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 30 facilities across the United States with 55 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 18 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League), the nation’s largest adult hockey organization (Foundry Adult Hockey) and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, and Eastern Hockey League.

Cromwell, CT – Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Coach Bobby Ferraris as the incoming Hockey Director of the Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA Youth Hockey Club. Coach Ferraris will join Bob Crawford and the current Jr. Wolfpack staff to begin building teams for the 2022-23 season and to launch elite spring and summer training programs and tournament teams. Black Bear previously announced the acquisition of Champions Skating Center and Bolton Ice Palace from Mr. Crawford, as well as the appointment of Mr. Crawford to its Board of Directors. Black Bear has also appointed Coach Ferraris to the scouting staff for its junior hockey franchises in the USHL (Youngstown Phantoms) and NAHL (Maryland Black Bears).

Coach Ferraris brings an accomplished hockey pedigree to the Cromwell, CT-based Jr. Wolfpack AAA program. He spent 12 years coaching NCAA Division I hockey, most recently serving as the Associate Head Coach of Mercyhurst University before relocating to New York in 2015 to serve as Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Hockey team for the Trinity-Pawling School, where he will remain the Head Coach. Coach Ferraris has established the Pride as a consistent contender in the Founders League, which is widely considered to be the premier prep school hockey league in the United States; this success included a championship in 2018. Coach Ferraris has also effectively developed his players and helped them earn college roster spots. In 2021-2022, Trinity-Pawling featured freshmen alumni on three Division I rosters and seven Division III rosters. In 2022-2023, another three Trinity-Pawling hockey alumni will be Division I freshmen at Army, Boston University, and Merrimack College. “I’m thrilled to join Bob Crawford and Black Bear Sports Group to grow the Jr. Wolfpack AAA club and expand youth hockey programming at Champions Skating Center,” said Bobby Ferraris. “Black Bear’s ladder of development with its internally owned junior hockey franchises is unparalleled in our industry. With a direct line to our USHL and NAHL coaching staff, movement to and from the USHL and NAHL clubs will provide our Jr. Wolfpack players with every opportunity available to develop into exceptional players prepared for college hockey.”

“We’ve graduated over 200 players to college hockey. Player development and advancement will continue to be our priority at the Jr. Wolfpack,” said Bob Crawford, current program director. “The addition of Bobby to our staff is exciting for our organization. He’s an excellent coach and brings new energy and ideas to our club.”

Coach Ferraris is a New England native. He played his minor hockey growing up on Cape Cod and captained the St. Anselm NCAA varsity team before turning professional in 1997.

“Bobby is an elite coach and recruiter that will make a tremendous impact in both Connecticut and our overall Tier I player ascension program to our junior teams and on to college or pro,” said Murry Gunty, CEO and Founder of Black Bear. “We are committed to building a team of elite coaches throughout our ice arenas to expand and support youth hockey in the United States.”

​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 29 facilities across the United States with 53 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 17 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League) and three Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

About Hartford Jr. Wolfpack AAA
The Jr. Wolfpack has graduated over 200 student-athletes to various NCAA/ACHA hockey programs, and its success is driven by our unparalleled commitment to both on and off ice skill development, academic achievement, good citizenship and self-respect. The program has fielded boys and girls teams from U12 to Junior. The Jr. Wolfpack’s primary objectives are building the foundation of each player’s success through the development of technical hockey skills, knowledge of the game, understanding of the role of fitness and nutrition, core hockey values, and leadership attributes. Our student-athletes live by the code “Have Pride in the Pack” following our simple motto of the 3 Ps: “Play with Pride; Prepare with Pride; and Present Yourself with Pride,” which is part of our roadmap to success.

Bethesda, MD - Today, Black Bear Sports Group’s most recent vertically integrated program expansion, Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A., is proud to announce that registration is open for GET IN THE GAME, a new co-ed learn to play hockey program for the adult who has never played hockey before.

GET IN THE GAME is open to adults 18+ who have never played hockey before. The lesson program will combine on-ice skills sessions with instructional games. During each session, participants will learn the fundamental skills of ice hockey, including how to skate if they've never done so before. In addition, they will get a chance to play the greatest game on Earth.

“We continue to use our extraordinary people and facilities to help grow the game of hockey and improve access for all our families and players of all ages,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. “Adult hockey is a critical part of our business and I am thrilled that we continue to focus on improving the experience for all our adult players.”

“Never played hockey before and thought the game has passed you by, it’s never too late to GET IN THE GAME”, said Scott Branovan, head of Sales and Marketing for Black Bear Sports Group. Inc. and the creator of GET IN THE GAME. “We look forward to rolling out GET IN THE GAME across our entire portfolio.”

About Foundry Adult Hockey - Foundry Adult Hockey is the largest and most comprehensive adult hockey organization in the U.S.A. With Foundry Adult Hockey, you can Play Your Game. As a hockey enthusiast, you can learn the game and or play the game whenever you want, wherever you want, and at any level you want. For more information, www.foundryadulthockey.com/getinthegame
​
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 27 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 16 youth hockey clubs, two youth hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation and National Girls Hockey League) and three Junior “A”
hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.

Delmont, Pa – Today, Palmer Imaging Arena held a Grand Re-Opening event, celebrating the new naming sponsorship with Palmer Products Imaging. Other announcements that were shared at the event included; new Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. ownership/management, UPMC ice rink naming rights sponsorship, and Happy Badgers Sports Pub unveiling.

Keynote speakers for the event were Leslie Rossi, Pennsylvania State Representative, Katie Holmgren, Director, Program Services, USA HockeyKeith Wassel, Owner, Happy Badgers Sports Pub, Scott Branovan, Director of Sales and Marketing/Regional Business Manager for Western PA, Black Bear Sports Group, Brian Hagen PhD, P.T., Sports Medicine Physical Therapist, UPMC and John Dziak, Co-Owner of Palmer Product Imaging and Owner and CEO of Printscape Imaging, Inc. The ribbon cutting was led by Dan DeBone, Executive Director, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.

Palmer Products Imaging owner Jeff Miller stated, “We are proud to partner with such a positive community asset. Palmer Imaging Arena is all about providing the citizens of the Delmont area a multitude of participatory sports programming as well as affordable family entertainment that promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles without burdening taxpayers.” Miller added, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to display our branding products throughout the facility and to do our part toward our joint mission of providing the ultimate customer experience.”
“Palmer Products Imaging is an amazing group of people to work with and their products and services are second to none as prominently displayed throughout the facility.” said Black Bear Founder and CEO Murry Gunty. “We are extremely proud to carry this facility’s long standing presence in the Delmont community forward with Monroeville based Palmer brand name on the building.”

About Palmer Imaging Arena - Palmer Imaging Arena, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Delmont, PA. Opened in 1997, the 125,000 square-foot facility includes three NHL-sized ice rinks, with one of the ice rinks converting in March through August to dry floor concrete /sport court. These ice rinks are complemented by two meeting/party rooms that support a variety of corporate and community functions as well as group outings/field trips. Palmer Imaging Arena’s mix of surfaces provides for a host of programs, program drop ins, leagues, themed events, expos, trade shows, shows and concerts. The facility is home to many user groups as well as a variety of on-site businesses including Wallace Fitness, KoSports Hockey, Happy Badgers Sports Pub, and Vocelli Pizza – Delmont. For more information, go to www.palmerimagingarena.com.

About Palmer Products Imaging - For over fifty years, Palmer Products Imaging has been printing and installing for our clients to effectively communicate through graphics and signage. We understand the importance of effectively delivering your message and we strive to do it beautifully through our prints. We produce large format full-color digital graphics for Point of Purchase displays, vehicles, trade show displays, floor graphics, banners, custom signage, custom wall murals, as well as decals and labels. Palmer Products Imaging can help you spread your message far and wide. For more information, go to www.palmerporducts.com
​
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 and 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 has the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also to turn around under-managed or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 25 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, three indoor turf fields, 16 youth hockey clubs, one youth hockey league, the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the National Girls Hockey League and three Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, NorthAmericanHockeyLeagueandEasternHockeyLeague.Formore,goto http://www.blackbearsportsgroup.com/

Bethesda, MD (November 1, 2021) – The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is pleased to announce its plans for the 2022-23 season as follows: (1) Inclusion of the Haverford Hawks, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Palmyra Black Knights, the Valley Forge Colonials, and the Wilkes Barre Scranton Knights as full season members and the St. James Hockey Club and the Southern Maryland Sabres as a Half-Season members, bringing total teams in the AHF to approximately 450, (2) Bolstering our management team with Matthew Kiernan as VP of Hockey and Jeff Sturm as Director of Hockey, (3) Additions of Jake Geverd, Owner of Valley Forge, and Dan May, Owner of NJ Avalanche, to the AHF Board of Directors, and; (4) Establishment of full season schedules for majority of teams eliminating secondary league status for most New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania teams.  

“Despite the ongoing COVID challenges, the first season of the AHF has exceeded our expectations which is why we have decided to move toward full season status for the vast majority of our teams,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group.  “I am also thrilled that Jake, Dan, Matt and Jeff have all joined our amazing group of partners to help us lead this league going forward.  We have, by far, the best group of partners and management of any league in the country.”  

“Our new structure has three objectives – provide the best competition, minimize travel and lower costs for our families,” said AHF VP of Hockey, Matt Kiernan.  “We are looking forward to introducing many new features to the league next year that are really only available due to our unique structure of primarily rink owned/controlled clubs.”  

“We now have, by far, the biggest footprint of any Tier II league in the district,” said Tim Fingerhut, AHF Commissioner.  As a result, we can provide our families and players the best possible hockey experience available including an expanded playoff format and a pathway to nationals.” 

About the Atlantic Hockey Federation, Inc.
The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is a USA Hockey-sanctioned elite Tier II youth hockey league that facilitates games throughout the Mid-Atlantic and seeks to lower costs for its member-owned clubs and their families.  The AHF was founded by leading hockey organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including the Montgomery Blue Devils, New Jersey Bandits, Rockets Hockey Club, Hollydell Hurricanes, Team Philadelphia and the 15 Black Bear Sports Group owned clubs.  Each of the Founders operate at all levels of youth and junior hockey, from Mite through to Midget at the youth level and from Tier III (EHL and USPHL), Tier II (NAHL and NCDC), to Tier I (USHL) at the junior level.    If you are looking for the best value, the AHF is for you.  If you are looking for exposure to play college hockey, the AHF is also for you.​

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 and professionally managed and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear targets ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, existing youth hockey clubs and a National Hockey League club presence.  The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 27 facilities across the United States with 50 sheets of indoor ice, two indoor turf fields, 15 youth hockey clubs and three Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.
Contact Info:      Matt Kiernan, V.P. Hockey, mkiernan@blackbearsportsgroup.com