Black Bear's Rink Buyout: A New Era or Costly Play for West Michigan?

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 25, 2026 – Two of West Michigan’s most important ice arenas have new ownership, sparking a mix of hope for revitalization and apprehension over a new business model. Black Bear Sports Group, the nation's largest owner of ice rinks, announced today its acquisition of Holland Ice Arena and Hudsonville Ice Arena, formerly known as Griff’s IceHouse West and Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena. The company has pledged a multi-million dollar investment to overhaul the facilities, promising to secure their future for a new generation of skaters.

All current hockey and figure skating programs are expected to continue uninterrupted through the 2025-26 season as the new ownership takes hold. The Maryland-based company stated its focus is on critical infrastructure that ensures rink reliability and user comfort.

“These arenas are a home base for many athletes and families in West Michigan,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, in a press release. “We’re proud to support that tradition and do the essential work that keeps these rinks reliable and the experience consistent for years to come.”

A New Chapter for Community Hubs

The acquisition marks a significant transition for facilities that are deeply embedded in the local sports fabric. Both arenas were previously owned by DP Fox Holdings, LLC, the same entity that owns the Grand Rapids Griffins AHL hockey team. DP Fox acquired the Holland facility (then The Edge Ice Arena) in 2017 and the Hudsonville rink (Georgetown Ice Center) in 2018, with the stated goal of preserving community access to ice sports and addressing deferred maintenance.

Under the Griff's branding, the rinks became vital centers for a wide range of users. The two-rink facility in Hudsonville serves as the home ice for Grand Valley State University, several area high school teams including Hudsonville, Jenison, and Grandville, and the Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association. Similarly, the Holland arena hosts Hope College hockey and a variety of popular 'Learn to Skate' and 'Learn to Play' programs that serve as the entry point for countless young athletes.

For years, these rinks have been more than just buildings; they have been the backdrop for early morning practices, hard-fought games, and the development of lifelong friendships. The transfer of ownership to Black Bear represents the latest chapter in the ongoing effort to keep these community assets viable in a challenging industry.

The Promise of Modernization

Black Bear’s primary promise to the West Michigan community is a significant capital infusion aimed at long-neglected core systems. The company plans to renovate or replace key components like the ice plant refrigeration systems, subfloor structures, and dehumidification equipment. These are not cosmetic touch-ups but foundational repairs essential for maintaining high-quality ice and ensuring the long-term structural integrity of the buildings.

While specific financial details for the Michigan projects have not been released, Black Bear's track record at other facilities provides a potential blueprint. In past acquisitions, the company has undertaken massive projects, such as replacing an entire heaving rink floor and excavating permafrost at one Chicago-area arena and installing new eco-friendly chillers and HVAC units at another. Such projects can easily run into the millions, with a full overhaul of a twin-sheet facility potentially costing between $5 million and $7 million, according to industry estimates. This history suggests the company's pledge is substantial and aims to create a more reliable and comfortable environment for skaters and their families.

Growth, Scrutiny, and the Black Bear Model

While the promised investments are welcome news, Black Bear Sports Group’s rapid expansion and business model have drawn intense scrutiny in communities across the country. Founded in 2015, the company has grown to become the dominant player in the U.S. ice rink market, operating over 40 rinks. Its strategy involves acquiring facilities - often older ones in need of repair - in strong hockey markets, investing in upgrades, and integrating them into its network of leagues and tournaments.

However, this growth has been accompanied by a consistent chorus of complaints from user groups. Across online forums and in local news reports from other regions, parents and coaches describe a pattern that often follows a Black Bear acquisition. The most common concern is a sharp increase in costs, with some users at other facilities claiming that ice time and program fees have “more than doubled.” Critics argue this is a feature of a business model designed to maximize revenue by consolidating market share and reducing competition, leaving families with few, if any, alternative rinks.

Another significant point of contention is the company's proprietary streaming service, Black Bear TV. At its facilities, Black Bear typically restricts or bans all personal filming and live-streaming of games, directing families to its paid subscription service. Users have widely reported issues with the platform, citing unwatchable games, technical glitches, and a strict no-refund policy, even when the service fails. Subscription costs, which can be as high as $299 per year, add another financial layer for hockey families.

Further concerns have been raised about new, mandatory registration fees and contradictory reports on facility upkeep, with some reviews mentioning that despite initial investments, rinks can remain poorly maintained. In Michigan, the company’s reputation is further complicated by reports that its regional director has been the subject of multiple lawsuits related to his business practices, adding a layer of local apprehension to the recent acquisitions.

A Shifting Landscape in West Michigan

The takeovers in Holland and Hudsonville, combined with Black Bear’s recent acquisition of the shuttered Wings West facility in Kalamazoo, represent a significant consolidation of the ice sports market in West Michigan. With control over at least six sheets of ice in the region, Black Bear is now a dominant force, altering the competitive landscape that includes other established rinks like Southside Ice Arena and Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids.

This consolidation gives the company substantial leverage over ice time availability and pricing. Local hockey associations, high school teams, and figure skating clubs may find their options limited, potentially forcing them to accept Black Bear's terms and pricing structures. For the thousands of families who call these rinks a second home, the coming seasons will reveal whether the promise of freshly renovated facilities will be accompanied by a higher cost of participation, fundamentally changing the accessibility of ice sports in the region for years to come.