Key Takeaways
- Kevin Kuby will take over as Interim CEO of Black Bear Sports Group on March 21, replacing founder Murry Gunty
- Kuby brings multi-unit operating experience from retail chains ranging from 16 to 200 locations
- Black Bear says it has grown youth hockey participation at four times the national average since its founding in 2015
- Tony Zasowski and Andrew Goldman have been named Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations
- Gunty is stepping away to focus on family office activities and health-related matters
A Retail Operator Steps Into Youth Hockey’s Biggest Platform
Black Bear Sports Group, one of the largest owners and operators of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues in the United States, announced March 16 that Kevin Kuby will become Interim CEO effective March 21. He replaces founder Murry Gunty, who started the company in 2015 with a single rink.
Kuby’s background is in multi-unit retail operations, not sports. He most recently led a 200-unit pet supplies chain and previously ran a 140-unit general merchandise business and a 16-unit mall-based retail chain. He is also a former partner at Alvarez and Marsal, a performance improvement firm known for turnaround and restructuring work.
What Gunty Built Over a Decade
Black Bear has grown from one ice rink into a network of dozens of facilities, teams, and leagues. The company operates the Atlantic Hockey Federation, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. It also runs Black Bear TV, a streaming platform for athlete visibility, along with elite training programs and tournaments.
Gunty said in a statement that the company has grown hockey participation “by four times the national average” and called Black Bear his “proudest professional achievement.” He is departing to focus on family office activities and health-related matters.
New Leadership Structure Across Hockey Operations
Alongside the CEO transition, Black Bear appointed Tony Zasowski and Andrew Goldman as Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations. The two will oversee youth hockey, junior hockey, adult hockey, leagues, tournaments, and broadcasting.
Kuby said he plans to “accelerate that growth and enhance all of our operations,” adding that he looks forward to working with USA Hockey, its affiliates, and NHL partner clubs.
What the Transition Signals for Youth Hockey Infrastructure
The hire of a multi-unit retail executive to lead a youth hockey platform reflects where the business model sits today. Black Bear is not just running rinks. It is managing a network of facilities, programming, media, and league operations at national scale. Whether Kuby’s retail playbook translates to youth sports operations will be one of the more interesting leadership stories in the space this year.
Source: Business Insider Markets, GlobeNewswire Press Release, March 16, 2026
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