Black Bear Sports Group purchases fourth area ice rink

Black Bear Sports Group Inc. has acquired Southwest Ice Arena in Crestwood.

The Arena houses one NHL-size ice sheet, one smaller practice rink and the Pal's Corner Cafe. Black Bear also said the seller, Frank DiCristina, will join its operations team. He has joined the company as vice president of operations and will oversee all four BBSG ice rinks in the Chicago area.

"We're thrilled to be investing in the strong hockey and skating community of southwest Chicago," said Murry Gunty, CEO of BBSG. "The addition of Mr. DiCristina to our team is extremely valuable. He brings tremendous experience and knowledge backed by his family's 43-year ownership of the Arena."

"I am excited to be a part of the BBSG team and will use my 30+ years of ice rink management experience to oversee the Chicago arenas," DiCristina said.

The Arena is the ninth ice rink purchased by BBSG. Other ice rink holdings include Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, American Heartland Ice Arena in Lincolnwood, Center Ice of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Maryland; Ice World in Abingdon, Maryland; Ice Land Skating Center in Hamilton Township, New Jersey; Jersey Shore Ice Arena in Wall Township, New Jersey and Printscape Arena at Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Black Bear Sports Group Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities and youth sports events.