We did a story a story earlier this year about the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association’s intermediate level team as they prepared for the 2025 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships that was being held at Wings West (watch the video above). When it was announced that the beloved sheet of ice would be closing, we were saddened by how this would affect all the athletes and their families that made use of Wings West. Enter Black Bear Sports Group to save the ice!
Black Bear Sports Group owns, operates. manages 42 arenas in several states including five in Michigan. According to their website, Black Bear Sports Groups is dedicated to “strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport at all levels. Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey supporters, we provide ahome for players, families, and fans by operating ice rinks, managing youth and junior hockeyleagues, and creating development opportunities for athletes.”
Leaders from organizations like Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association’, the Kalamazoo Curling Club, Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), Discover Kalamazoo, Athletic Mentors, and Hockey Services Source for Hockey collaborated to find a solution that eventually lead to Black Bear Sports Group.
“As the arena transitions to new ownership, we look forward to keeping up the momentum for local hockey and skating programs,” said Mark Olson of Athletic Mentors.
To plan ahead, the organizations are partnering with Discover Kalamazoo on a feasibility study to evaluate ice capacity and future needs. The project is being supported by Southwest Michigan First and the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority.
“Discover Kalamazoo is proud to collaborate with our local ice groups to assess what our community will need moving forward,” said President & CEO Jane Ghosh. “This study will help ensure Kalamazoo continues to thrive, both for local athletes and as a destination for sports tourism.”
