EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Last week, Suburban Ice in East Lansing announced its acquisition by the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. also called “Black Bear.”

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“We have enjoyed 18 incredible years in East Lansing operating that facility,” Tom Anastos, Suburban Sports Group (SSG) CEO said in a statement.  “During that time, we have watched thousands of hockey players, figure skaters and families enjoy amazing experiences, create lifelong relationships, and make memories that will last them a lifetime.  In addition, this facility has been an important part of our company’s overall growth and success, and that’s due to the passionate work and dedication of the hundreds of teammates we have had over the years.  We felt that now was the right time to pass the torch and we are confident that Black Bear Sports Group will continue to serve the community well and provide excellent programming activities for years to come.”

Originally named Arc Ice, the facility was built a year prior to Y2K, and was purchased by the SSG with its two-sheet 90,000 square foot facility just off of Michigan State University in 2004 before it was renamed to Suburban Ice East Lansing.  It will soon be renamed “East Lansing Ice Cube” under new management.  

Former full time coach for various Suburban programs, Michigan State University Director of Player Development for MSU Hockey, Brad Fast, commended Suburban Ice for its nearly two decades of service. 

“I think we should be very thankful for how Suburban has supported this community and done so much for hockey players and figure skaters for the last nearly two decades,” Fast said. 

Fast continues to coach part-time for his son’s Pee-Wee, 12 and under team, and expressed his hopes for the future. 

“I think that East Lansing and Lansing have a great reputation and history as far as hockey players go and figure skaters for that matter,” he said. “I’d love to see this new group continue that and continue to give opportunities for players in the community and the families here to have options- it’s really nice not to have to go very far to play great hockey.” 

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Suburban also provides many programs for adults to enter or continue in the sport through development leagues like Primetime, or Suburban Adult Developmental Hockey League (SAD) League which allow players to engage in this historic sport. 

“I think that it’s part of the culture here,” Fast said, “You’ve got a really strong history not only in East Lansing but the whole state of Michigan for many many years whether it’s the Red Wings or Michigan State Spartans and others, there are some great hockey programs. You ;’could talk to almost anybody that’s grown up here and they have fond memories of growing up skating on outdoor rinks and going and watching hockey games so I think it’s very important for the culture of Michigan to still have those opportunities.”

SSG will continue to own and operate its other Suburban Ice locations in Farmington Hills, Rochester, and Macomb, it said. The group also manages municipal arenas for the cities of Novi and Royal Oak.

“We’re proud to continue expansion in Michigan,” Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear said in a statement, “We believe it is one of the top, if not the very best hockey and figure skating market in the country. Tom Anastos and the Suburban Ice team were excellent operators in Lansing and we’re excited to continue to operate a first-class facility for the community.”

There is already a new website for the facility, and it made a public service announcement for previous and future users of the rinks during the transition period, customers can expect some changes with the online registration system and will also become familiar with the rink’s new branding and website, www.eastlansingicecube.com.

“Please check the site for periodic updates and direct inquiries to staff’s new email address listed on the site. Lansing Hockey Club, Lansing Skating Club, Biggby Youth AAA Hockey and existing adult, high school and learn to play programs will continue to be the largest users of ice at the Arena,” the notice said, “All existing programming will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink.” 

According to Black Bear Sports Group, it owns 35 facilities across the United States including 66 sheets of indoor ice, four indoor turf fields,  with a plethora of other youth, Junior, and adult leagues. 

Soon to be the East Lansing Ice Cube, one of the few public rinks left in the Lansing area, after the more than two decade old Summit Sports Center – which included indoor ice skating – closed in the wake of the pandemic before being purchased and repurposed.