Murry Gunty, founder of Black Bear Sports Group, appeared on Episode 95 of the Champs App Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about youth hockey, rink ownership, junior hockey, girls hockey and the parent experience in the sport.
The episode, titled “Murry Gunty – CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Hockey Team Owner and Hockey Dad,” offers a detailed look at Gunty’s views on how the hockey ecosystem can be improved from the earliest stages of learn-to-skate through junior hockey and college recruitment.
A Conversation About the Hockey Experience
In the episode, Gunty speaks not only as a business leader, but also as a hockey parent. The discussion focuses on the practical realities families face as children move through the sport, including the costs, expectations and challenges of navigating youth hockey.
A major theme of the conversation is how hockey organizations, rink operators and development programs can create a better experience for players and parents alike. Gunty discusses the importance of improving the pathway from entry-level participation to higher levels of competition, while also addressing some of the pressures that come with the sport.
Black Bear Sports Group and Rink Ownership
The episode also covers Black Bear Sports Group’s role in the hockey world. Black Bear owns and operates ice rinks, youth hockey organizations and junior hockey teams, giving the company a broad view of the sport from multiple angles.
Gunty explains how rink operations, team ownership and player development are connected. The conversation touches on the importance of ice availability, facility management and long-term investment in local hockey communities.
Junior Hockey, Girls Hockey and Player Development
Another major focus of the episode is the development pathway for young players. Gunty shares his views on junior hockey and how players and parents should think about the route from youth hockey to higher levels of competition.
The podcast also discusses the growth of girls hockey, an area that has continued to expand across North America. Gunty speaks about the opportunities in the girls game and the need for continued support, structure and visibility.
Technology, Rankings and Live Streaming
The discussion also moves into the role of technology in modern hockey. Topics include MyHockeyRankings, live streaming and the ways digital tools have changed how families, coaches and players follow the sport.
These platforms have become a major part of the youth hockey experience, from tracking performance and visibility to helping families understand where teams and players fit within the wider landscape.
Advice for Hockey Parents
For parents, one of the most useful parts of the episode is Gunty’s advice on how to approach the youth hockey journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of perspective, patience and understanding that development is rarely a straight line.
Rather than focusing only on short-term rankings or immediate results, the episode encourages families to think carefully about fit, opportunity and the overall player experience.
Listen to the Full Episode
The full conversation is available on Apple Podcasts:
Episode 95: Murry Gunty – CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, Hockey Team Owner and Hockey Dad