Hockey is already a very expensive sport to play. Adding an additional fee is unnecessary and makes an already hard-to-access sport even more difficult, especially for new players. We already have issues adding new and keeping current players and teams and this does not help. This additional fee risks killing our league as it has already shrunken from previous years. Black Bear Sports Group does not have a good reputation in the hockey world and is known for predatory practices of its customers like price gouging.

This comes as an alternative to the USA Hockey registration fee. Black Bear has stated in a zoom meeting over the summer that they have "differences" with USA Hockey. They have also stated this is nearly the exact same coverage. So why separate yourself? When they mentioned this new fee would be required they failed to answer majority of the questions asked about it like what differences they have with USA Hockey to require them to now provide their own insurance. Many rinks, including ours, did not require the USA Hockey registration to play adult league but now we're required to pay for the Black Bear insurance. For those of us that play in multiple leagues, if one does require a USA Hockey membership, this is now another additional cost. Two different registration fees for the same exact thing? What's the point here Black Bear? 

This isn't the first time Black Bear has stepped away from partnering with another company just to line their own pockets. Just last year Black Bear Sports Group launched "Black Bear TV" which allows streaming of games within their facilities. Sounds familiar? It's because LiveBarn already existed. Except now, with Black Bear TV they can pick and choose which games are available instead of having them all available. This even resulted in a lawsuit filed against Black Bear by LiveBarn. Again, Black Bear does not have a great reputation among the hockey community.

This new mandatory insurance and registration fee, which, again, has never previously been required, poses a significant barrier for those passionate about playing hockey who are already stretching their budgets. For many players, the joy of the game and the community it fosters is incomparable, but financial constraints can make participation next to impossible. With hockey already being one of the more costly sports to engage in, introducing more financial burdens could deter both newcomers and veteran players from participating, shrinking the sport rather than growing it.

The cost of equipment and league fees can run into hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year—costs that are tough enough without additional fees that serve to line the pockets of already for-profit organization. For the sake of players who simply want to enjoy the sport, as well as for the health and longevity of local leagues, it's crucial to provide the option to opt out of unnecessary charges. 

Encouraging more people to join should be the focus for Black Bear Sports Group, not driving them away with added fees that are viewed more as a hindrance than a help. The integrity and future of hockey in our community depend on policies that support rather than stifle participation.

Please sign this petition to ask Black Bear Sports Group to allow players the choice to opt out of the new insurance and registration fees that are only worsening the situation