deep freeze ice arena

What deep freeze ice arena does

Deep Freeze Ice Arena is a privately held, single-site indoor ice facility located at 360 McClurg Road in Youngstown, Ohio, operating under the ownership of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. The 90,000-square-foot venue houses one Olympic-sized ice rink that operates year-round, supported by a concessions area and two meeting/party rooms accommodating 5 to 100-plus people, and draws over 1 million visitors annually, positioning it as one of the most heavily trafficked recreational venues in the Youngstown market. The facility is the official practice home of the USHL Tier I Youngstown Phantoms junior hockey franchise and houses on-site tenants including Extreme Air Trampoline Park and Next Shift Performance Training.

The product portfolio spans public skating and skate rental, the proprietary Bear Basics Learn-to-Skate curriculum, the Learn to Play Hockey pathway anchored by the Little Penguins program (Pittsburgh Penguins/NHL/NHLPA-affiliated, for ages 4-9), the Junior Phantoms travel hockey ladder (8U through 16U Midget A/AA under PAHL and USA Hockey Mid American District affiliation), OHPA Selects spring hockey, figure-skating lessons and $15-per-hour freestyle sessions, Foundry Adult Hockey programs, birthday-party packages, corporate and community event hosting, and external ice rental. Technology integrations include Spiideo's AI-powered cloud-based camera system for automated game capture and tracking, the Visaic-powered Black Bear TV streaming platform distributed across web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV, and Bond Sports plus League Apps for program registration. Adult-ice programming such as drop-in hockey and figure-skating lessons is open to ages 18 and over; youth programs serve beginning skaters through 16U.

Revenue is generated across seven discrete streams: public-skating transaction fees, hockey program subscriptions ($895-$2,395 per player annually with payment-plan options), figure-skating subscriptions, event-rental and birthday-party transaction fees, external ice-rental transaction fees, concessions and Breakaway Sports-branded merchandise, and partnership-derived adult-hockey transaction revenue. Pricing is tiered by program intensity, with up to 33% savings for online pre-registration effective July 15, 2026, a $150 pay-in-full incentive for Junior Phantoms, $300-down six-installment payment plans, and a 50% goalie fee reduction with free spring/summer programming. GTM motion combines an event-driven, direct-to-consumer venue model with top-of-funnel free Try Hockey for Free and Try Skating for Free activations and a diversified sponsorship roster.

Name

deep freeze ice arena

Legal name

Deep Freeze Ice Arena

Website

https://deepfreezeicearena.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Deep Freeze Ice Arena is a privately held, 90,000-square-foot indoor ice facility in Youngstown, Ohio, operating an Olympic-sized rink year-round to deliver youth hockey development, adult hockey leagues, figure skating, public skating, and event hosting under Black Bear Sports Group ownership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Ice Skating Facility

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAKAEAG

Ice Rinks & Winter Sports Facilities

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Venues & Facilities (Stadiums, Arenas, Tracks, Complexes)

SECONDARYMPAKAEAB

Arenas & Indoor Sports Centers

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Venues & Facilities (Stadiums, Arenas, Tracks, Complexes)

SECONDARYMPAKABAI

Winter Sports Teams/Clubs (Ski, Snowboard, Bobsleigh, etc.)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Professional Sports Teams & Clubs

SECONDARYMPAKAJAI

Winter Sports & Snow Training Schools (Ski, Snowboard, Ice Sports)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Camps, Academies & Training Centers

Keywords

• Ice skating facility
• Hockey programs
• Figure skating lessons
• Ice arena rentals
• Birthday party venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Youngstown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Public Skating Sessions: Revenue from open ice skating sessions, including admission and skate rental fees. Operates year-round with regular public skate schedules and cosmic skate events.
2. Hockey Programs: Revenue from youth hockey programs including Junior Phantoms travel hockey (player fees ranging from $895 to $2,395 depending on age group), Learn to Play hockey, clinics, camps, drop-in hockey, and private lessons. Also includes Try Hockey for Free introductory programs.
3. Figure Skating Programs: Revenue from Learn to Skate program, freestyle ice sessions ($15/hour), private lessons, and figure skating club activities. Guest coach policy requires PSA membership and liability insurance for external coaches.
4. Event Rentals and Parties: Revenue from birthday party packages, corporate/community events, group outings, and private ice rental. Facility offers two meeting/party rooms accommodating 5-100 people.
5. Ice Rental: Revenue from renting ice surface to external groups, teams, leagues, and organizations. Contact through general manager for booking.
6. Concessions and Retail: On-site concession area generates food and beverage revenue. Apparel and merchandise available through Breakaway Sports online stores.
7. Foundry Adult Hockey: Partnership with Foundry Adult Hockey for adult learn-to-play programs, novice draft league, and adult hockey leagues operating across multiple states.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Deep Freeze Ice Arena operates a 90,000 square foot indoor ice facility featuring one Olympic-sized ice rink in Youngstown, Ohio. The venue delivers year-round public skating sessions, youth and adult hockey programs, figure skating instruction, ice rentals, birthday parties, and corporate/community events. It serves as the official practice facility for the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms and supports over 1 million annual visitors.

Product overview

Deep Freeze Ice Arena operates as a single ice facility offering a comprehensive portfolio of ice skating and hockey programs. The facility features one Olympic-sized ice rink and provides public skating, instructional programs (Bear Basics Learn to Skate, Learn to Play Hockey, Little Penguins, Sparky's Rookie Program), competitive youth hockey (Junior Phantoms, OHPA Selects), adult hockey (Foundry Adult Hockey), figure skating programs, and event services (birthday parties, group events, corporate functions). The arena also offers Black Bear TV, a streaming service powered by Spiideo AI cameras and Visaic platform, and ice rental for various functions. The portfolio spans from beginner recreation to competitive junior hockey, serving the Youngstown, Ohio community with over 1 million annual visitors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Junior Phantoms: Youth travel hockey organization operating under Deep Freeze Ice Arena, offering programs for various age groups from 8U to 16U.
• Deep Freeze Skate Club
• Black Bear TV

Products and services

• Public Ice Skating

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million visitors annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SpiideocoreTechnology or Integration · 16 September 2024AI-powered cloud-based camera system for automatic recording and tracking of hockey games. Provides HD footage, live stats integration, and 180-degree VIPR panoramic feeds. Equips all Black Bear venues for professional-quality broadcasting.
• VisaiccoreTechnology or Integration · 16 September 2024Interactive web platform and app provider powering Black Bear TV streaming service. Enables multi-account access, clipping, downloading, and OTT device support (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV).
• Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.coreOthersParent company owning Deep Freeze Ice Arena. Black Bear Sports Group manages multiple ice arena facilities across the eastern United States. Founded and led by Murry Gunty (CEO). Provides centralized management services, Black Bear TV streaming platform, marketing support, and operational best practices through Ice Rink Performance Group.
• Youngstown PhantomscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSHL Tier I junior hockey team. Deep Freeze is the official practice facility. Over 150 players committed to NCAA Division I schools, 29 drafted to NHL. Co-owned by Bruce Zoldan (Phantom Fireworks CEO) and Murry Gunty (Black Bear Sports Group CEO). Players engage in community activities including school readings and youth hockey instruction.
• Extreme Air Trampoline ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site tenant business co-located at Deep Freeze Ice Arena facility, providing additional family recreation activities.
• Next Shift Performance TrainingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site tenant providing performance training services to arena users, complementing ice sports programs.
• Foundry Adult HockeycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLargest adult learn-to-play hockey program in the USA. Partnership provides Get in the Game beginner program, Novice Draft League, and Adult Hockey League across 11+ states. Deep Freeze hosts league activities and championship events.
• Pittsburgh Penguins / NHL / NHLPAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLittle Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program sponsored by Pittsburgh Penguins and jointly developed by NHL and NHLPA. Provides introductory hockey program for ages 4-9 with equipment support through Dick's Sporting Goods. Program designed to offer more families access to youth hockey.
• Ice Rink Performance GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManagement services provider focused on operational performance through vertically integrated, internally managed programming, marketing, sponsorship partnerships, and customer experience delivery.
• USA Hockey / Mid American DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJunior Phantoms is a member of USA Hockey and Mid American District. Adheres to PAHL and USA Hockey rules on conduct, teams, equipment, penalties, officials, and playing rules.
• PAHL HockeycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJunior Phantoms is a member of the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League. Teams placed by PAHL in competitive divisions.
• US Figure SkatingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuest coach policy requires coaches to be on US Figure Skating Coach Compliance list with current membership, NCSI background check, and Safesport certification.
• Dunkin DonutsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• McCarlsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• Goon GuardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• KaivacminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• All American ArenaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• CanteenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner and concession services provider.
• Breakaway SportsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApparel and uniform provider for Junior Phantoms. Operates online stores for team merchandise.
• CintasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• Disanto PropaneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• Kelly Benefits PayrollminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.
• Pure HockeyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner and hockey equipment retailer.
• Apex Learning Virtual SchoolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partner displayed on arena marketing materials.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Patriot Ice Center: Sister Black Bear Sports Group facility in Midlothian, VA operating an Olympic-sized rink with similar hockey, skating, and event programming—most relevant structural comparator.
• Reisterstown Sportsplex: Sister Black Bear Sports Group multi-sport facility in Maryland co-locating ice with other sports venues, mirroring Deep Freeze's co-tenancy strategy.
• Ice Line Quad: Multi-rink ice sports complex in West Chester, PA offering public skating, travel hockey, figure skating, and learn-to-play programs under a comparable full-service operating model.
• The Ice House: Multi-rink ice sports facility in Hackensack, NJ offering hockey schools, figure skating, and public sessions under a similar integrated programming model.
• Arctic Ice Arena: Regional multi-rink ice facility in Orland Park, IL operating youth hockey, adult leagues, learn-to-skate, and public sessions for a similar Midwestern demographic.
• Iceland Skating Rink: Regional ice sports facility in Michigan providing public skating, figure skating, and youth/adult hockey programming to a comparable community-based market.
• Skate Zone: Multi-location ice and roller skating operator in the Mid-Atlantic offering public sessions, hockey, and lessons under a similar family-focused operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers: Premium multi-rink ice facility at Chelsea Piers in NYC, part of a larger sports/entertainment complex; comparable as a high-traffic urban skating operation but operates at significantly higher price points.

Others

• Youngstown Phantoms: USHL Tier-I junior hockey team that uses Deep Freeze as its official practice facility; not a competitor but a critical anchor tenant whose presence underwrites hockey programming credibility.
• Foundry Adult Hockey: Largest co-ed adult learn-to-play hockey program in the U.S., spanning 11+ states and providing Deep Freeze with adult hockey traffic; relevant as an adjacent distribution and programming partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deep-freeze-ice-arena

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about deep freeze ice arena