Bearcat Junior Hockey Club Set To Compete In USPHL Premier And Elite For 2025-26 Season
Fraser, MI – April 4 – A new era of junior hockey is coming to Fraser, Mich., as the Motor City Gamblers have been officially purchased and rebranded as the Bearcat Junior Hockey Club.
Beginning in the 2025-26 season, the Bearcats will compete in both the USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite Conferences, continuing the tradition of high-level junior hockey at Big Boy Arena.
The acquisition was led by Mike McCallum and Jimmy Ryerse, owners of the Bearcat Hockey Club. Ryerse, who has spent over a decade developing young hockey talent nationwide after retiring from minor pro hockey, saw an opportunity to expand the Bearcat Hockey Club’s footprint, by purchasing and rebranding the Gamblers franchise.
The Bearcat Hockey Club is a premier youth hockey organization dedicated to developing players through comprehensive training programs and competitive tournament participation. They offer seasonal teams, including spring and summer series, as well as specialized camps and clinics tailored to various skill levels. Adding USPHL teams is a natural progression for its growing camps, clinics, and teams.
“This is an exciting step forward for Bearcat Hockey,” said Ryerse. “Our vision is to create a seamless development pipeline from youth hockey to the junior and professional levels. With this acquisition, we are now able to provide year-round opportunities for players looking to take their game to the next level.”
Tony Zasowski, USPHL Deputy Commissioner, on the Bearcat Junior Hockey Club:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Bearcat Junior Hockey Club to the USPHL Premier and Elite Conferences. The Bearcats bring a strong vision for player development and a commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice. Under McCallum and Ryerse’s leadership, we are confident that this program will provide a fantastic opportunity for aspiring junior hockey players in Michigan and beyond. We look forward to seeing the Bearcats compete and grow within the USPHL family.”
Bearcat Junior Hockey: A Development-Driven Model
The Bearcat USPHL Premier team will serve as the organization’s top junior squad, focusing on
older, 20-and-under players preparing for Tier 2 junior or college hockey. The Bearcat USPHL
Elite team will function as a developmental squad, structured similarly to an 18U program, giving
younger players a platform to grow.
Ryerse has retained key members of the Gamblers’ hockey operations staff, including Coach Carter Bednarz and scouting personnel, ensuring continuity while embracing the new Bearcats identity.
Big Boy Arena: The Home of the Bearcats
The newly rebranded Bearcat Junior Hockey Club will play at Big Boy Arena, formerly Fraser Hockeyland. With four sheets of ice, a top-tier pro shop, and state-of-the-art training facilities, the arena is well-equipped to support high-level junior hockey.
“We’re making improvements, including rebuilding our dedicated locker rooms and utilizing the gym for advanced off-ice training,” said Ryerse. “This is a first-class facility, and we want our players and fans to feel at home here.”
Aiming to Build a Strong Community Fanbase
With a seating capacity of 3,400, Bearcat Junior Hockey is looking to create a strong connection with the Fraser community. While long-term aspirations include filling the arena, Ryerse is aiming to draw 250 fans per game in the first season.
“We want to build something special here,” Ryerse added. “We’re inspired by organizations like the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, who have cultivated a deep bond with their community. We aim to do the same here in Fraser.”
Be Part of the Bearcat Hockey Movement
Bearcat Junior Hockey is actively recruiting players and welcoming fans, sponsors, and
community partners. For more information, visit www.bearcathc.com and follow the team’s
journey toward its debut season in the USPHL.
About Bearcat Junior Hockey
Bearcat Junior Hockey is the newly rebranded franchise formerly known as the Motor City
Gamblers. Part of the well-established Bearcat Hockey Club, the program is dedicated to
developing players from youth hockey to the junior and professional ranks.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or player recruitment information, please
contact:
Nicole Lauer
Nicole.Lauer@BearcatHC.com
www.bearcathc.com
#BearcatHockey #USPHL #Bearcats2025 #WeartheBear
