Formal investigation launched into consolidation of Michigan ice rinks over anti-trust concerns

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Attorney General has launched a formal investigation into the rapid consolidation of ice rinks across the state, examining whether the nation’s largest operator of such facilities has violated state antitrust laws.

The inquiry, conducted by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Corporate Oversight Division, centers on Black Bear Sports Group, a Maryland-based firm that has aggressively expanded its footprint in West Michigan, according to multiple media reports. 

State regulators are probing "potential anticompetitive and unfair trade practices involving the consolidation of youth ice hockey facilities and programs," according to a civil inquiry first reported by WOOD-TV and confirmed by the AG's office.

The move marks a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to regulate the commercialization of youth sports, a sector traditionally dominated by municipal or family-owned operations.

"The attorney general is looking into this matter out of concern for the risk of consumer harm — including higher prices and reduced service quality — that can arise from diminished access to competition," Danny Wimmer, press secretary for the attorney general, said in a statement first reported by WOOD-TV.

The investigation follows Black Bear’s February acquisition of two major Ottawa County facilities: Griff’s IceHouse West in Holland Township and Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena in Hudsonville. Now operating as Holland Ice Arena and Hudsonville Ice Arena, the rinks were previously managed by an entity tied to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Ottawa News Network reported on the acquisition in February. 

Read More: Holland, Hudsonville ice rinks set for multi-million dollar facelift with new ownership

At that time, Murry N. Gunty, founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, said he was “proud” to support the community’s tradition, ONN reported. 

 “These arenas are a home base for many athletes and families in West Michigan,” Gunty had said. “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.”

For local skaters, the most immediate impact was thought to be the rebranding and a guarantee of continuity. Black Bear confirmed that all current programming will continue uninterrupted through the 2025-26 season.

With these acquisitions, plus the purchase of Wings West in Kalamazoo, Black Bear now operates nine rinks in Michigan and approximately 50 nationwide.

Under the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act, the state prohibits contracts or conspiracies that establish monopolies or restrain trade. 

Investigators are specifically reviewing whether Black Bear’s market dominance in a roughly 30-mile corridor leaves hockey associations and figure skating clubs with no meaningful choice for ice rental, effectively allowing the company to set prices without competitive pressure, according to media reports.

The corporate takeover of local rinks has drawn sharp criticism from parents. Critics have said that by owning the facilities, the leagues, and the digital broadcasting rights through its proprietary Black Bear TV service, the company can squeeze third-party vendors and families.

Parents voiced concern earlier this year after the company attempted to restrict families from livestreaming games with personal devices, a move many saw as a tactic to drive subscriptions to its own $300-per-year service.

Black Bear Sports Group, founded in 2015 by Gunty, has defended its model as a lifeline for a struggling industry. The company typically acquires aging facilities that require millions in capital improvements — such as new ice plants and HVAC systems — that local governments often cannot afford.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.