Phantoms sign long-term deal with Covelli
The Youngstown Phantoms hockey team signed a five-year extension with two five-year options to continue playing its home games at the city-owned Covelli Centre.
“It provides stability to the team,” said Murry Gunty, founder and CEO of Black Bear Junior Hockey Inc., which is 50 percent owner of the team with Bruce and Rori Herman Zoldan owning the other half. “It’s a long-term contract. It’s a big commitment.”
The Phantoms agreed to pay for the facility’s ice plant — which makes and freezes the ice at the rink — to be replaced.
That is estimated to cost about $900,000 to $1.1 million, said Gunty and Eric Ryan, president of JAC Management Group, which operates the center as well as the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Wean Park for the city.
Excited to announce a long term deal with the @CovelliCentre1 and @JAC_Live1 for our @YtownPhantoms. We have the greatest billets and fans in @CityofYOU. Thanks to Mayor @YtownTitoBrown, my partner @brucezoldan & Prez @agoldman10 for making this happen. https://t.co/xDzA4sF5Nu
— murry gunty (@MurryGunty) July 29, 2022
“It provides stability to the team,” said Murry Gunty, founder and CEO of Black Bear Junior Hockey Inc., which is 50 percent owner of the team with Bruce and Rori Herman Zoldan owning the other half. “It’s a long-term contract. It’s a big commitment.”