Meet Our Operating Team
*In Alphabetical Order*
Fred Ames, Senior Facilities Manager, Connecticut
Fred served in the Army as a Helicopter Mechanic after graduating high school. After his service in the Army, Fred pursued an HVAC degree and earned an Associate's Degree in General Studies. Fred has been in the facility management field for over 25 years. Fred has managed an airport and oversaw the development of new infrastructure such as hangars, office space and most notably, Butler buildings. Fred has three amazing children that he tries to spend as much time as possible with along with his wife. In his off time, Fred enjoys fishing and being outdoors.
Nik Breitenstine, Program Manager, Northeast Division
Nik Breitenstine is the Program Manager for the Northeast Region for Black Bear Sports Group. Nik oversees the growth of skating and ice hockey participation across the region through different grassroots initiatives and events. Nik will work with our local rink personnel to standardize Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey Programs, instill best practices for on and off ice coaches, and provide a clear youth hockey and figure skating pathway for new participants and their families.
Before his time with Black Bear Sports Group, Nik spent two years with the San Jose Sharks as a Youth Hockey Coordinator. His duties included overseeing their Little Sharks Learn to Play program, Sharks Play On Bridge Series, assisting with the Jr. Sharks House League operations, as well as helping the Sharks Foundation with different hockey based community events. Before his time with the Sharks, Nik spent four years working with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation to help make ice hockey more accessible in underprivileged communities around Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. Nik has a bachelor's degree in Sport Management with a minor in Communications and Business Administration from Drexel University.
Before his time with Black Bear Sports Group, Nik spent two years with the San Jose Sharks as a Youth Hockey Coordinator. His duties included overseeing their Little Sharks Learn to Play program, Sharks Play On Bridge Series, assisting with the Jr. Sharks House League operations, as well as helping the Sharks Foundation with different hockey based community events. Before his time with the Sharks, Nik spent four years working with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation to help make ice hockey more accessible in underprivileged communities around Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. Nik has a bachelor's degree in Sport Management with a minor in Communications and Business Administration from Drexel University.
Evan Chizik, Director of Business Operations- Northeast Region
Evan graduated from Pennsylvania State University and immediately began a career in hospitality. After college, he spent over 20 years in a corporate hospitality setting throughout multiple states, working his way to Managing Partner and then Joint Venture Partner. Evan brings years of multi-unit management experience, including openings in new markets, relocations and remodels. His management background is in people, budgeting, P&Ls, marketing and sales building. Evan and his family also understand the hockey lifestyle from the family perspective, with a son heavily involved in youth hockey.
Cat Cirillo, Program Manager, Connecticut
Cat Cirillo is the Program Manager for the Connecticut region as well as the Assistant General Manager of Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, CT. Cat oversees the day to day operations at Champions and works with the coaching staff to develop new and grow existing programming in the Connecticut region. Prior to this position, Cat was a hockey Mom for the Whalers Youth Hockey program where she served on the Board of Directors as Registrar and Vice President. In addition to her other duties, Cat also serves as the Director of Operations for the Whalers Youth Hockey organization.
Jeremy Dallow, Commissioner NGHL
Jeremy is the Founder and President of SuperSeries AAA which is one of the largest operators of elite hockey tournaments and showcases for 8 to 18 year-olds in North America. NHL players such as Clayton Keller, Matthew Tkachuk, Logan Brown and Victor Mete have all participated in SuperSeries events as well as countless players playing NCAA hockey and players currently in the USHL and NAHL. Additionally, Jeremy operates DHI Hockey, a subsidiary of SuperSeries which operates Elite Spring teams that travel to the top tournaments in North America and Europe. Jeremy is also the Vice President of the Black Bears’ USHL affiliate, the Youngstown Phantoms, and most recently was named Interim Commissioner of the National Girls Hockey League (NGHL) , a national girls hockey league dedicated to the growth and promotion of girls ice hockey.
Julia Duncan, Marketing Manager, Teams and Leagues
Julia Duncan just joined Black Bear as the Marketing Manager for the teams and leagues. She specializes in social media, photography, and graphic design. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in both Sports Management and Advertising. While in school, Julia managed UGA Hockey’s social media, where she grew her passion for the sport. She is excited to have a NHL hockey team to cheer for in DC (RIP Atlanta Thrashers).
Brent Gough, Assistant Director, Leagues and Tournaments
Brent was born and raised in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. Brent played 3 years of Junior A hockey for the St. Albert Saints before receiving a scholarship to NCAA Div 1 Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, a member of the Hockey East Conference. Brent served as captain for 2 years with the Merrimack Warriors and has recently been named to Merrimack's All Decade Team. After completing 4 successful years with the Warriors and graduating with his BA in Business Administration and a concentration in Organizational Behavior, he signed a contract to play professionally in the UK. Brent retired in 2010 and began his coaching career with the Junior A West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. He spent 5 seasons with the West Kelowna Warriors as the Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager. Following West Kelowna, Brent and his family moved to Arizona to join the Arizona Bobcat program. In his time with the Bobcats, he has coached U18, U16, and U14 AAA teams. In the 2021-2022 season, his team won the U18 Tier 2 National Championship.
Jim Gracey, Senior Facilities Manager, Chicago Region
Jim joined Black Bear in October of 2021. He has an Associates of Arts degree and is a Certified Facility Manager with over 25 years experience in the field. Jim has managed multiple buildings - commercial office spaces, a 24/7 broadcast facility and a technology innovation center. His expertise is in maintenance of buildings and grounds, mechanical systems and infrastructure. Jim has two adult children and has lived in Downers Grove with his wife Kathy for over 35 years. In his free time, he enjoys home improvement projects, fostering dogs and singing in the Cantores Community Choir.
Scott grew up in Farmingdale, NJ playing soccer, skating on ponds and playing street hockey until an ice rink opened up in the area. Scott has been working in the ice rink industry for over 20 years and at multiple facilities in NJ and FL and has previous held the position of Operations Manager at Howell Ice Arena. Scott has been involved in coaching youth hockey for 20+ years at various levels and ages and has coached at the Midget level for the Jersey Shore Wildcats. Scott played hockey for Monmouth University.
Cindy Irving, Director of Operations, Defender Tournaments
Cindy has strong analytical and administrative skills. She worked 20 years for Alamo Rent a Car in Fort Lauderdale as Senior Assistant Director in charge of utilization and yield management for over 60 airport car rental locations before transferring to the Philadelphia location as City Controller and Assistant Facility Manager. She over all has spent 22 years. She has operated several businesses to include a Day Care Center, and currently runs an in home bakery business.
In 2003 she took a position with the Pond Ice Arena (which is now the Patriot Ice Arena) and has been with the arena for 19 years. She began as a Special Events Coordinator and then took on the role as General Manager/Tournament Director from 2005-2017.
She currently handles the administrative side to the Patriot Ice Arena and is the Director of Tournament Operations for Defender Hockey, handling the tournament registrations and scheduling for all Defender tournaments throughout the Defender territory. She has been putting tournaments together since 2000 where she was a volunteer with the Delaware Ducks and booking in their Flight on Ice Tournament, and from there tournaments have grown at The Patriot Ice Arena to 11 tournaments a year.
In 2003 she took a position with the Pond Ice Arena (which is now the Patriot Ice Arena) and has been with the arena for 19 years. She began as a Special Events Coordinator and then took on the role as General Manager/Tournament Director from 2005-2017.
She currently handles the administrative side to the Patriot Ice Arena and is the Director of Tournament Operations for Defender Hockey, handling the tournament registrations and scheduling for all Defender tournaments throughout the Defender territory. She has been putting tournaments together since 2000 where she was a volunteer with the Delaware Ducks and booking in their Flight on Ice Tournament, and from there tournaments have grown at The Patriot Ice Arena to 11 tournaments a year.
Matt Kiernan, Director of Scheduling for the AHF and THF
Matt oversees all aspects of scheduling for the AHF and THF. Matt is the co-founder and co-owner of the New Jersey 87's, a member of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) where he serves as an Executive Committee member and is also on the league's Board of Directors. He has held various coaching titles including Associate Head Coach of the EHL and EHLP teams and Head Coach at the U18 AAA level. Matt is a graduate of the University of Scranton. Prior to shifting his career to youth and junior hockey, Matt was an equity derivatives trader for 20+ years.
Jerre Lieberman, Marketing Director, Northeast Region
Jerre Lieberman is the Marketing Director for the Northeast Region for Black Bear Sports Group. In this role, Jerre will be overseeing all marketing initiatives for each of the Black Bear facilities in the northeast region. Jerre will be supporting local rink personnel to create standardization of marketing elements across all locations and identify marketing best practices across our network of facilities.
Jerre has spent the previous five years executing successful marketing initiatives for Flyers Skate Zone, creating unique promotions and digital marketing initiatives to increase followers and engagement to increase new customers and revenue at each facility. Between Comcast Spectacor and the Lancaster Barnstormers professional baseball team, Jerre has over a decade of sports marketing experience. Jerre has a master’s degree in sport management from Drexel University along with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Lehigh University.
A huge Philadelphia sports fan, Jerre is likely watching or talking about the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers or Sixers in his spare time, or he is slicing drives on the golf course or relaxing on the beach.
Jerre has spent the previous five years executing successful marketing initiatives for Flyers Skate Zone, creating unique promotions and digital marketing initiatives to increase followers and engagement to increase new customers and revenue at each facility. Between Comcast Spectacor and the Lancaster Barnstormers professional baseball team, Jerre has over a decade of sports marketing experience. Jerre has a master’s degree in sport management from Drexel University along with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Lehigh University.
A huge Philadelphia sports fan, Jerre is likely watching or talking about the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers or Sixers in his spare time, or he is slicing drives on the golf course or relaxing on the beach.
Blake MacNicol, Director, Leagues and Tournaments & Deputy Commissioner of the AHF.
Blake MacNicol served as the Director of Hockey Operations for the North American Hockey League since 2017. He also served as Commissioner of the North American 3 Hockey League for multiple seasons. In these rolls he oversaw all aspects of league operations as well as overseeing youth hockey events. He also served as a member of the USA Hockey Junior Council for 3 seasons. Prior to these positions he served in other roles with the North American Hockey League as well as Associate Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League. MacNicol attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He appeared in two NCAA tournaments for the men’s ice hockey team as well as earning an all CHA tournament team selection. He graduated with a degree in Sports Management and Business from Ohio University.
CJ McDermott, Marketing Manager, Northeast Region
CJ McDermott is the Marketing Manager for the Northeast Region for Black Bear Sports Group. CJ oversees multiple Black Bear facilities, and also coordinates social media for the NCDC Mercer Chiefs and EHL Team Maryland. She grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, with her family being heavily involved in the youth hockey world.
CJ graduated from Coastal Carolina University with two bachelor degrees in Sport Communication and Recreation Sport Management, along with a minor in Journalism. In her time at Coastal she worked as a full time intern with CCU Athletics Media Relations Department, and also held the position of Social Content Creator with the Department of Communication, Media, and Culture. She is currently pursuing her master's degree from Temple University in Sport Business with a concentration in Marketing and Promotions.
When she is not working, you can find her at Lincoln Financial Field as the Temple University Diamond Girl Feature Twirler, competing in the Miss America Scholarship Organization, advocating for legislation to benefit patients with Multiple Sclerosis, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
CJ graduated from Coastal Carolina University with two bachelor degrees in Sport Communication and Recreation Sport Management, along with a minor in Journalism. In her time at Coastal she worked as a full time intern with CCU Athletics Media Relations Department, and also held the position of Social Content Creator with the Department of Communication, Media, and Culture. She is currently pursuing her master's degree from Temple University in Sport Business with a concentration in Marketing and Promotions.
When she is not working, you can find her at Lincoln Financial Field as the Temple University Diamond Girl Feature Twirler, competing in the Miss America Scholarship Organization, advocating for legislation to benefit patients with Multiple Sclerosis, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Kayla McKelvey, Marketing Manager, Western PA
Kayla McKelvey is the Marketing Manager for the Western Pennsylvania Region for Black Bear Sports Group. In this role, Kayla oversees all marketing initiatives for each of the Black Bear facilities in the Western PA region. Kayla will be supporting local rink personnel to create standardization of marketing elements, campaigns, dashboards across the locations and identify the best marketing practices across our network of facilities.
Kayla has spent the past 10 years at Printscape Arena in Canonsburg, PA. She is now overseeing more facilities creating unique branding, promotions and digital marketing initiatives to increase followers and engagement of new customers and revenue at each facility. Kayla has a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Slippery Rock University along with a minor in Coaching.
Kayla is likely watching Men's College Hoops, but more specifically the North Carolina Tar Heels in her spare time, or she is spending time with her spouse and two children.
Kayla has spent the past 10 years at Printscape Arena in Canonsburg, PA. She is now overseeing more facilities creating unique branding, promotions and digital marketing initiatives to increase followers and engagement of new customers and revenue at each facility. Kayla has a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Slippery Rock University along with a minor in Coaching.
Kayla is likely watching Men's College Hoops, but more specifically the North Carolina Tar Heels in her spare time, or she is spending time with her spouse and two children.
Nikki Miller, Commissioner AGHF, Director of Administration AHF
Nikki Miller is the Commissioner of the AGHF, Director of Administration for the Federations and Business Development for Defender. In addition to being a scheduler for the Princeton Tiger Lilies organization, Nikki is in her ninth year as team manager for the New Jersey Stars organization. Nikki also is in her fifth year as the Director and Tournament Coordinator for the VSK Wings Spring Hockey program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Stockton University.
Gregg Naumenko, Director of Business Operations, Chicago Region
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.
Patrick O'Connor is the Marketing Manager serving the Connecticut region of Black Bear facilities. Patrick grew up playing youth hockey at the Bolton Ice Palace and high school hockey at Champions Skating Center for East Catholic High School where he now serves as the Assistant Ice Hockey Coach. Patrick was graduated from Endicott College with a degree in Sports Management. In the position, his goal is to grow programming across the Connecticut facilities.
When Patrick is not working, you can find him adventuring with his wife to different restaurants, playing golf, on their boat or playing with their dog- Mosa. Patrick is also a life-long Washington Capitals fan.
When Patrick is not working, you can find him adventuring with his wife to different restaurants, playing golf, on their boat or playing with their dog- Mosa. Patrick is also a life-long Washington Capitals fan.
Jim Padgitt, Marketing Manager, Chicago Region
Jim Padgitt brings over 20 years of Sports Marketing and Broadcast experience to Black Bear Sports Group's operations team. Most recently, Jim led technology implementation projects for Major League Baseball's Broadcast Products & Services division. Prior to MLB, Jim served as Manager of Broadcasting for the NFL's Chicago Bears, where he earned 3 Emmy Awards for Sports Production excellence.
In addition to guiding Black Bear Sports Group's Marketing and Program efforts in the Chicago Region, Jim also spearheads multimedia initiatives for the Atlantic Hockey Federation and other vertically integrated Black Bear Sports Group properties.
Jim received a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois-Chicago and has long supported the Illinois Youth Hockey community through several volunteer leadership positions.
In addition to guiding Black Bear Sports Group's Marketing and Program efforts in the Chicago Region, Jim also spearheads multimedia initiatives for the Atlantic Hockey Federation and other vertically integrated Black Bear Sports Group properties.
Jim received a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois-Chicago and has long supported the Illinois Youth Hockey community through several volunteer leadership positions.
Jodie Penn, Director of Operations For The AHF, AGHF, THF, and Defender Tournaments
Jodie Penn is the Director of Operations for Black Bear Sports Group. Jodie comes from USA Hockey where she was the Manager of Youth Administration for 14 years. With USAH, she managed National Championships, Player Development Camps and was the liaison with many of the committees and councils within USA Hockey. Jodie earned her degree in Business Administration and became a vital part of their operations. Prior to working at USA Hockey Jodie lived in London where she worked in London’s Insurance markets and moved to the United States with her husband Nik and her two Children Oliver and Charlotte.
Brian Reagan, Director of Business Operations, Revolution Ice Gardens/ Bucks County Ice / York / Twin Ponds
Brian developed a love of hockey at a young age and was fortunate to play for Pennsylvania State College, where he studied Early Childhood Education and Hotel & Restaurant Management. He has shared his passion for over 15 years hockey with hundreds of children and adults by coaching successful Learn-to-Play programs for all ages.
Mr. Reagan joined Black Bear Sports Group as the General Manager of Revolution Ice Gardens (RIG), located in Warminster, PA, in September of 2019. Brian added Bucks County Ice (BCI) under his management when Black Bear acquired it in March of 2020. He took on the position of Director of Business Operations for RIG, BCI, York Ice Arena and Twin Ponds Arena as of January 2022 and will provide support for the management of all four arenas. Brian serves as the President of Royals Ice Hockey, full members of the Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL) and the Atlantic Hockey Federation (AHF).
Prior to joining Black Bear, Brian was the General Manager of Center Ice of Oaks and the Head Scheduler of the Valley Forge Colonials, also a member of the DVHL and AHF.
Mr. Reagan joined Black Bear Sports Group as the General Manager of Revolution Ice Gardens (RIG), located in Warminster, PA, in September of 2019. Brian added Bucks County Ice (BCI) under his management when Black Bear acquired it in March of 2020. He took on the position of Director of Business Operations for RIG, BCI, York Ice Arena and Twin Ponds Arena as of January 2022 and will provide support for the management of all four arenas. Brian serves as the President of Royals Ice Hockey, full members of the Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL) and the Atlantic Hockey Federation (AHF).
Prior to joining Black Bear, Brian was the General Manager of Center Ice of Oaks and the Head Scheduler of the Valley Forge Colonials, also a member of the DVHL and AHF.
Ed Seeley, Senior Facilities Manager, Northeast Region
Ed Seeley is a Senior Facilities Manager and was previously an Operations Manager at Ice Land Skating Center and Aspen Ice Arena. Mr. Seeley has over 20+ years of ice rink experience. In his current role, Mr. Seeley oversees the maintenance and upkeep of our ice rink portfolio, with significant focus in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets.
Paul grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania where his passion for hockey began. His love of all sports continued to grow playing for various youth teams. Paul mainly focused on the game of golf throughout college. He currently has over twenty plus years coaching various youth sports programs. From the 2000's to present, Paul has served as the Silver Stick International Regional Tournament Director and the Northeast Doritos Tournament Director hosting over 300 teams annually. He is presently the GM/Coach for the Team Doritos PeeWee Quebec Hockey Club. Paul took on the position of General Manager of Milford Ice Pavilion in 2018 and now serves as the Director of Business Operations, Connecticut region.
Mary Kate Snyder, Sponsorship Sales Coordinator
Mary Kate is the Sponsorship Sales Coordinator for all Black Bear Sports Group facilities. Assisting the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, Mary Kate manages contract fulfillment and the activation of Black Bear's corporate partnerships for it's 30 ice rinks. Prior to joining Black Bear she fulfilled roles in event management, ticket sales and ticket operations with various organizations including the Liacouras Center, Temple University Athletics, Trenton Thunder, and Philadelphia Soul. A Philadelphia native, Mary Kate has a bachelors of science in Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University.
Jeff Sturm is the Senior Director of the Atlantic Hockey Federation and Defender Tournaments. Jeff assists the Vice President of Hockey in overseeing all aspects of the two divisions. Mr. Sturm has served as a Board Member and the Master Scheduler for the past 2 years for the Jersey Shore Wildcats in Wall Township, New Jersey. Before that, he held the same role for four years with the Old Bridge Jr. Knights organization. Mr. Sturm is an Executive Board Member and serves as the Master Scheduler for the Regional Ice Hockey Association which oversees and funds high school hockey for the Freehold Regional High School District schools. In addition to being a scheduler, Mr. Sturm has eight years of experience serving as a team manager for several Tier I and Tier II youth hockey teams. Mr. Sturm holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Bio coming soon!
DJ Williamson, Manager, Leagues and Tournaments
Bio coming soon!
Lexi Zoldan, Director of Corporate Communications
Lexi Zoldan joined the Black Bear team in the Summer of 2020. Graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's in International Business and minor in Entrepreneurship; Lexi loves being a part of such a fast growing company. Lexi oversees day to day marketing operations for the Black Bear Sports Group corporate account, the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation, Team Maryland EHL, along with many other rink level accounts and initiatives.
*In Alphabetical Order*