Bears Hockey News – Semi Pro Hockey, Rink Upgrades and Big Wins

I’m squeezing in this final update from my in laws’ house, typing fast and fully expecting to be pulled away for family dinner any minute. I wanted to get one last newsletter out before the end of the year, because there’s a lot happening around the rink. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays to everyone.

I’ll see you at the rink!

Table of Contents

• Spotlight: Alysa Liu on The Tonight Show⛸️📺

• Semi Pro Hockey Is Coming to Oakland

• Major Step Forward for Oakland Ice Renovation💰🛠️ …

• Cal Bears Hockey Update 🎓🐻🥅

• Jordan H. Kocian Tournament Returns 🎅🦌🏒 

• Oakland Bears Team Updates 🐻🏆

• Deadline for Art Submissions 👩‍🎨⛸️🗓️

• Tips, Feedback and Submissions 📢

Spotlight: Alysa Liu on The Tonight Show⛸️📺

If you missed it, catch the replay of Alysa Liu’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon last week. Watch closely and you’ll spot a very familiar setting as she plays “Guess the Element” with Jimmy.

Semi Pro Hockey Is Coming to Oakland

Semi pro ice hockey is coming to Oakland. A new Senior A team, the Oakland Skates, will soon call Oakland Ice home. The team is locally owned and backed by a group that came together through the OIC adult league, with the name reviving Oakland’s pro roller hockey past from the 1990s, now on ice. Tryouts are scheduled for the next couple of months, with full details available on their website.

The Skates will play an exhibition season against teams from the Mountain Hockey League (MHL), featuring NHL rules and an affordable, family friendly game night. Follow the team on Instagram at @oakland.skates.

Major Step Forward for Oakland Ice Renovation💰🛠️🧊

There’s real progress on the long awaited rink renovation. Earlier this month, the City of Oakland issued Measure U bonds, including ten million dollars earmarked for Oakland Ice to fund a major ice plant upgrade and a full rebuild of both ice sheets. This should mean fewer ice plant outages, no more summer melt issues, and yes, no more leaning dasher boards.

With funding now secured, OIC management is entering the planning phase. While timelines are not yet finalized, the project has clearly moved from “someday” to active preparation. It’s a major step toward reliable, high quality ice and a better experience for everyone who skates at Oakland Ice for years to come.

Cal Bears Hockey Update 🎓🐻🥅

Cal opened November with a near sold out Big Freeze White Out against LMU, highlighted by Chancellor Rich Lyons dropping the ceremonial puck. The Bears fell 6 to 2 that night, then answered with a 5 to 0 shutout the next day. Cal followed that with a strong showing at the invite only Beehive Showcase in Salt Lake City, knocking off undefeated number two ranked Weber State. Cal now sits number eight in the ACHA West Coast Division and first in the PAC 8, with the Big Mountain Classic in Denver coming January 16 to 19.

Three home games remain. USC visits Berkeley on Friday January 23 at 7:30pm and Saturday January 24 at 8:15pm. Friday features Cal Taiko and the Oakland Youth Choir. Saturday brings the Cal Band, Oski, and honorary puck drop guests from the Tell The Whole Damn World podcast. Both games are pay what you can with Oakland Bears Youth Hockey intermission scrimmages. Cal then heads to Sharks Ice San Jose for the Battle of the Bay on Friday January 30 before closing the home season Saturday January 31 with Cal Ice Alumni Night. The postseason follows with PAC 8 Playoffs, Regionals in Salt Lake City, and a shot at the 2026 ACHA Nationals in St. Louis.

Jordan H. Kocian Tournament Returns 🎅🦌🏒 

Oakland Ice is once again hosting the annual Jordan H. Kocian Tournament on December 31. The event brings together youth players of all skill levels for a tournament focused on fun and community. No heated battles and no banners on the line. Just a chance to play hockey with and against friends and enjoy a great day at the rink.

Register your team today!

Oakland Bears Team Updates 🐻🏆

Deadline for Art Submissions 👩‍🎨⛸️🗓️

The deadline to submit artwork for the EDGEWORK Art Exhibition is midnight on December 31, 2025. Submissions are open to all ages and skill levels, with accepted forms including photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, film, video, sound, and performance. If your work is inspired by movement on ice, this exhibition is for you.

Artists will be notified in early January with further details. EDGEWORK opens February 6. Send submissions and questions to [email protected].

Tips, Feedback and Submissions 📢

Got a story tip or highlight video from a recent game? Want to see something featured in next month’s issue? Hit reply or drop me a note — I’d love to hear from you.

And if you’ve got friends, teammates, or family who’d enjoy this newsletter, please forward it their way!