Repost from Black Bear Sports Group
Annville, PA – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire Klick Lewis Arena in Annville, PA (the “Arena”). The Agreement is subject to
normal course closing conditions. The Arena features three ice sheets, a bar/restaurant, pro shop and a
dedicated gym for its players. The transaction also includes a partnership with the Palmyra Black
Knights (“PBK”), the elite Tier I and Tier II youth hockey program. The Arena is also home to many
figure skaters and recreational skaters in the area along with numerous tournaments due to its proximity
to Hershey, PA. The Sellers were Harold and Chad Weaver, Founders of H.R. Weaver Building
Systems and the creators/developers of the Arena. Antoine Bergeron, hockey director and the architect
of the growth of the Palmyra Black Knights, will continue to lead the club and will assume a senior role
with Black Bear. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO
Murry Gunty in 2015.
“It has been a great honor to build and own Klick Lewis as it is an important part of our community,” said
Chad Weaver, Owner of H.R. Weaver Building Systems and owner of Klick Lewis Arena. “When we
first conceived of the idea for the rink, we never could have imagined it would become such a popular
and successful venue. While it is a bittersweet sale, we believe that our rink and all the local families
will be in good hands with Black Bear.”
“Klick Lewis fits in perfectly with our other Hershey regional rinks and the Palmyra Black Knights fit in
perfectly with our leagues, so this was a location that we have long coveted,” said Murry N. Gunty,
Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “More importantly, the hidden gem in the transaction is Antoine
Bergeron – he is among the best in the industry and we look forward to bringing the full strength of our
organization to help him and his team grow PBK into a regional powerhouse.”
“I am excited to stay on board and continue to develop players in the PBK program and support Black
Bear’s overall hockey business,” said Antoine Bergeron. “I believe that with Black Bears ascension
program including its USHL and NAHL teams along with its elite level leagues that PBK will continue to
field elite level teams and grow its already strong presence in Central PA.”
“Our mission is to continue growing hockey and ice sports in the Mid-Atlantic and are thrilled to add
another Tier I franchise that we can support through our numerous junior team franchises such as the
Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President of Black Bear. “Under Antoine’s
leadership, we also look forward to growing our league and tournament businesses in Hershey, Central
PA and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic and expect to host numerous boys and girls events in Klick Lewis.”
About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet
Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and
youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class
recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling
demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth
hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also the
expertise required to turn around mismanaged or under-performing facilities. The largest
owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 32 facilities across the United States
with 57 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields, 25 youth hockey clubs, four youth hockey leagues
(Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National
Girls Hockey League) and four Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States
Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NC