A New Model for Accessible Hockey
Black Bear Sports Group, a network of ice arenas that operates youth hockey leagues across the United States, has seen a dramatic increase in participation for its Learn to Play Hockey programs, particularly at its Michigan facilities.
The free Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) initiative introduced more than 850 children to the sport during the 2025‑26 season, offering head‑to‑toe equipment, certified instruction and ice time at no cost.
Programs are designed to remove the typical obstacles that keep families from trying hockey, a sport that the Aspen Institute’s Project Play ranks as having the highest entry barriers among youth sports.
Visible progression charts, QR‑code registration points and targeted community outreach help new families navigate the pathway from their first skate to sustained involvement.
Scott Branovan, Regional Director of Operations for Michigan, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, oversees the rollout of these entry‑level programs and emphasizes the company’s commitment to expanding access nationwide.
After completing TASH, participants can move into low‑cost Learn to Play Hockey opportunities, creating a clear developmental pipeline that feeds into Black Bear’s elite training programs, tournaments and Black Bear TV streaming platform.
The broader effort has already introduced 10,000 kids to free or entry‑level hockey this season, a push supported by partnerships with the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association, whose official websites are linked to the initiative.