Q: Why is our rink being purchased? 
A: Ice rinks are expensive to maintain and operate, and it’s common for rinks to change ownership so that the arena can continue to provide families and players with a high-quality place to skate and play ice sports. Older rinks often require a significant capital investment after 20-30 years in its mechanical systems which frequently is a catalyst for owners to sell to a new buyer who will invest for the next 20-30 years.  Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG) is taking ownership of Holland Ice Arena to ensure the rink is a cornerstone of the greater Grand Rapids community for years to come. 

Q: Who is Black Bear Sports Group? 
A: Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG) was founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey enthusiasts, and our goal is to provide a home for players, families, and fans by operating ice rinks, managing youth and junior hockey leagues, and creating development opportunities for athletes. Black Bear is not a private equity firm and is not private equity owned in any fashion.  It is a privately held company based out of Florida.  We believe rinks are more than just buildings—they’re the heart of the hockey community. Our mission is to protect, strengthen and expand access to hockey and ice sports by preserving rinks, supporting player development, and fostering strong skating communities. Black Bear is not a private equity firm, nor is Black Bear private equity owned in any way.

Q: Why does the rink’s name have to change? 
A: Just like ownership changes, rink name changes are commonplace in our field. At the previous owner’s request, we are implementing our new name—Holland Ice Arena—immediately. We know it will take some time to get used to, but the heart of this rink, thanks to the employees, families and players, will remain the same. 

Q: How much of my rink experience is going to change? 
A: We anticipate your day-to-day rink experience to remain largely the same. No changes will be made to the 2026-27 hockey season, structure, or teams. Our top priority is doing repairs and replacements on the rink’s dehumidification system and jumpstarting the free and low-cost hockey programs Black Bear offers at all its rinks, including our Learn to Skate program and our Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) initiative.  Black Bear has grown its player participants by over 4x the national average this past year and is looking forward to bringing that growth to Western Michigan.

We’re also excited to introduce Black Bear TV to the rink, a game broadcasting system that ensures professional, live coverage and commentary of every game. More information about Black Bear TV can be found here.  We will also be bringing the industry leading Time To Score scoring system to the rink.  Time To Score enables an integrated scoring and timekeeping software that allows for one person to conduct both functions. 

Q: What benefits is this change in ownership bringing to my family or my player?  
A: Our new ownership of Holland Ice Arena guarantees that Holland Ice Arena will be a staple of the community for years to come. BBSG is built to exist for generations not to “buy and flip” ice rinks.  BBSG prioritizes the revitalization and sustainability of its rinks, as well as growing the sports by expanding access to skating programs and leagues. 

Q. Are prices going to change? 
A: Prices are set fairly and competitively with other rinks in the area. BBSG was founded by hocket enthusiasts, and we are always looking to make our rinks affordable and accessible to the community. 
‍
Q: Am I going to be required to purchase new gear? 
A: At this time we do not anticipate any changes to the 2026-27 hockey season, structure, or teams.  

Q: Does this mean Black Bear TV is coming to this rink? 
A: Yes, Black Bear TV is our official streaming platform that offers high-quality, secure viewing options for families. Black Bear TV treats each game like its own professional broadcast. The cameras are close to the ice, follow the play almost perfectly every time, deliver a picture through 4K AI enhanced cameras that are the best in the industry. It features live stats integration, multiple accounts, an app for on-the-go viewing and the unique ability to download games, clipping and create highlights directly of the players.  In addition, it uses enhanced internet connectivity to further improve broadcast quality. Despite the industry leading technology, Black Bear TV’s pricing is in line with other sports streaming platforms.

Q: Why are we getting rid of our current streaming service? What is Black Bear TV? 
A: We are really excited about Black Bear TV.  Like you, we were tired of low-quality video and constant WIFI delays that come with a fixed, center-ice camera. This is a completely different experience. BBTV is a streaming service that provides exclusive, high-definition streaming of the United States Premier Hockey League, Eastern Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, high school, middle school tournaments, and showcase games. BBTV produces over 50,000 games per year – the most of any streaming service in the country.  

Q: What is the live-viewing experience like?
A: It’s so much fun to watch! Black Bear TV’s live streams offer the highest-quality and high-speed footage of your player’s game. With our DVR-like system, you can pause and rewind a live game to make sure you don’t miss any second of the action. You can also download clips and make highlight reels of your players’ best shots, passes, and saves. 

Q: Will I have the same streaming access as I did before?
A: Black Bear TV utilizes the highest quality camera equipment to stream its games, providing high-definition picture, panoramic ice views, and live statistic integration. We are no longer limited by a fixed, center-ice camera connected to rink wireless that often faces delays and low-quality picture. No more missed goals, assists or great plays. 

Q: Can I watch practices on Black Bear TV? 
A: We don’t record practices.  We don’t want to give competing coaches and competing teams access to our practices, plays and strategies. Parents are welcome to record practices and games on their own as long as they don’t stream that content online. Our focus is to offer families and friends the chance to watch their player in every game they have. Focusing on streaming games allows us to provide the highest quality live footage and game-viewing experiences for families, who can watch every game, anywhere, at any time.

Q: Can I record games? 
A: Yes, of course! Parents are always welcome to record videos and take photos of their own child during games and practices. Capturing the most exciting moments of our children’s play is
an important part of youth sports, and we have never proposed taking that away.

The only restriction is livestreaming, broadcasting, simulcasting, or any other form of transmitting full games or practices. Allowing this kind of broadcasting of other children or players is a significant safety risk given that it is impossible for our rinks, leagues, and teams to ensure that everyone on camera has given consent, especially young children and their parents.

Q: What will Black Bear TV cost me?  
A: Black Bear TV offers a variety of packages and benefits that we believe can fit any customers budget and needs. Some of these benefits include 30-day on-demand access, downloading games, multiple-user logins, clipping and sharing highlights, live DVR to pause and rewind games, and more. More information about the pricing options for Black Bear TV can be found here.We strongly believe the price is reflective of what other leagues in the landscape are doing. It also allows us to pay leagues an appropriate market value for their content, providing financial stability that ultimately benefits our players, and brings down the cost of youth hockey.  For years, customers have been required to have multiple streaming services depending upon the leagues in which they participated.  Black Bear TV is the first ever service that produces both youth and junior games, enabling some customers to consolidate their purchases. In certain circumstances, BBTV is also willing to produce adult league games.

Q: Do I have to pay for a full year? 
A: Absolutely not. You have the option to monthly or annually! You can save significantly per month if you choose to purchase an annual subscription, but our monthly option is great so you can pay month-to-month and cancel anytime.