Black Bear Sports Group Acquires 26th Rink In New Kensington, PA

[Youth Hockey Info]

Pittsburgh, PA – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has acquired Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA (the “Arena”). The Arena features two NHL ice sheets, a full-service gym, a hockey training center, a pro shop, and a chiropractic treatment center. The Arena is home to the Pittsburgh Vipers and Esmark Stars youth hockey clubs along with many figure skaters and recreational skaters in the area. 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 expand our Pittsburgh presence with this transaction, as Pittsburgh is one of the best hockey markets in the Country,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “We also look forward to growing our league and tournament businesses in the Pittsburgh area and expect to host numerous boys and girls events in our rinks.”

Black Bear owns and operates Printscape Arena in Canonsburg, PA (formerly known as Iceoplex at Southpointe), Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont, PA (formerly known as Center Ice Arena) and co-owns and operates the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League in Youngstown, OH.  Black Bear recently announced the formation of the Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”), a new Tier-II hockey league in the Mid-Atlantic, and recently acquired the National Girls Hockey League(“NGHL”), the leading girls hockey league in the U.S.

“Our mission is to continue growing hockey and ice sports in Pittsburgh,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President of Black Bear. “Our Pittsburgh operations team, led by Scott Branovan, is excited to dig in and develop new programs and opportunities for the community.”

[Guest]

good pick up, solid hockey market, smart move, good strategy

but do they have bumper cars?  that should be the next pick up for murry

[Guest]

Seems like they got enough tier 2 teams to turn the AHF into a high level competitive league with no ties or need for njyhl, cbhl or dvhl. New York and up the coast still needs some more rinks and teams bought though.

[Guest]

what's with the continuous Black Bear and bumper car comments, I'm sure it's funny but I'm missing the joke.

[Guest]

OIP dumped ice hockey to focus on bumper cars, seem like the type of rink for BB

[Guest]

What is OIP. If they changed what the place does for something else why does bumpber cars have anything to do with anything else like kids hockey?

[Guest]

FWIW: Ocean Ice in Brick, NJ uses bumper cars: Ice Bumper Cars | At Ocean Ice Palace | Ocean Hockey

[Guest]

That is a great idea! Finding different ways to add revenue to survive and thrive without having to give in to the evil empire bear.

[Guest]

broom ball and curling are also non-hockey revenue-generating options

[Guest]

That is a great idea! Finding different ways to add revenue to survive and thrive without having to give in to the evil empire bear.

Evil Bear is saving youth hockey with all these mismanaged rinks, you should be thankful they have taken over places like FSZ, Howell, Wall, Aspen