Private Equity's Predatory Practices in Youth Hockey: Banning Parents from Filming

Private Equity's Grip on Youth Sports

• 🎯 Private equity firms, specifically Black Bear Sports Group, are acquiring youth hockey rinks nationwide, creating a monopoly.
• 💸 These companies are accused of implementing predatory business models that prioritize profit over the joy of youth sports.

Banning Parents from Filming

• 🚫 A new company policy explicitly prohibits parents from recording, posting, or live-streaming their children's hockey games.
• 💰 This ban is reportedly a tactic to force families into purchasing expensive subscription streaming services, costing $25-$50 per month.
• 🤥 Black Bear Sports Group's public statements claim parents are welcome to record, but internal contracts contradict this, forbidding all personal filming.

Neglect and Price Hikes

• 📉 Rinks acquired by Black Bear are often left neglected and run down, despite increased fees.
• 📈 Prices for ice time and team participation have significantly increased, making youth hockey less accessible.
• 🏒 The company's actions are seen as destroying the game of hockey by stripping away its accessibility and joy.

The Role of Murray Gunty and Blackreet Capital

• 👤 Murray Gunty, CEO of Black Bear Sports Group and formerly of Blackstone Group, is identified as a key figure in these practices.
• 💰 He is described as profiting immensely by cutting costs, jacking up prices, and running businesses until they decline.
• ⚠️ Gunty's business model is characterized as