The Eviction
In March, Black Bear Sports Group removed the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) from the Wings West arena, citing concerns over the venue’s economic viability.
The arena, once a hub for local youth hockey, now stands as a symbolic battleground between long‑standing community programs and a newer sports enterprise.
KOHA’s Counter‑Argument
Matt Kakabeeke, KOHA’s executive director, disputes the claim of financial unsustainability, noting that the association’s nearly $400,000 annual budget is divided among more than a hundred coaches and staff.
He also alleges that Black Bear sought to take control of KOHA’s Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs, which operate under the Biggby Coffee brand, and to reshape them to fit a new youth hockey initiative.
Future of Youth Hockey in Kalamazoo
After the eviction, KOHA moved to the Wings Event Center and wrapped up tryouts for the 2026‑2027 season. Kakabeeke warns that the region’s modest population may not support two competing youth hockey programs, raising questions about the sustainability of community‑driven sports.
The clash underscores how legacy organizations must navigate partnerships, branding pressures, and economic realities while preserving the traditions that have defined their neighborhoods for six decades.