Youth hockey company Black Bear Sports Group and founder/former CEO Murry Gunty were the subject of a lengthy, wide-ranging report published yesterday following what the newspaper said was a nine-month investigation featuring over 80 interviews.
BBSG — which was previously a Buying Sandlot sponsor — is no stranger to press attention, consumer criticisms and accusations of potentially anti-competitive business practices. But this report was far more comprehensive than past efforts by other outlets.
Examination of BBSG’s vertical integration, how it could present antitrust issues
Details of past alleged unethical behavior by Gunty and/or his businesses
Potential violations of federal laws regarding charitable organizations
Parents who say BBSG effectively shut down a Pittsburgh area youth hockey org
A fiasco involving a USPHL team when Gunty was commissioner
“Stay to play” policies involving BBSG tournaments
Gunty defended BBSG in an interview for the report; a crisis communications consultant retained by BBSG was also quoted several times.
BBSG says its participation levels have outpaced national participation rates.
BBSG is now the county’s largest rink owner-operator with 47 venues in 11 states, according to the report. It also owns and operates over 40 clubs that compete in 16 leagues, half of which USA Today said BBSG either owns or controls.
Michigan’s attorney general has reportedly launched an antitrust investigation into the state’s youth hockey industry with BBSG among the subjects.
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