Bearcat Hockey Club Relocates to Buffalo, N.Y., Under New Ownership and Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The United States Premier Hockey League is proud to announce that the Bearcat Hockey Club is relocating to Buffalo, N.Y. Andrew Vargo, a distinguished former Rochester Institute of Technology college coach, AAA youth coach, and successful business owner, has assumed ownership of the Bearcat Hockey Club Program alongside his wife Pam Vargo. The Bearcat Hockey Club will field one USPHL Premier team competing in the Great Lakes Division.
The Bearcat Hockey Club is also proud to unveil this new chapter for the program. With a focus on delivering a top-tier hockey program, the Bearcat Hockey Club has secured a new home rink in Buffalo equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including professional locker rooms, a fitness center, and expanded ice availability. This move ensures that players have access to the resources needed to excel in their training and development.
The program also welcomes elite coaching partnerships, including a former collegiate coach with a strong background in player development has been appointed as the new GM and Director of Juniors, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the program.
Bearcat Hockey Club’s ownership transition from Mike McCallum to Andrew and Pam Vargo has come due to health concerns. Mike McCallum’s decision to pass over ownership was not easy. However, the program recognizes that prioritizing his health is of utmost importance. Mike will remain with Bearcat as a full-time advisor, providing invaluable support to Andrew and Pam as they transition into this new chapter for the club.
In Buffalo, Bearcat Hockey Club has upgraded its billeting options to provide players with safe and supportive living environments, while also offering academic support through a certified educator to help players balance their studies with their hockey commitments.
Andrew and Pam Vargo, the program’s new owners, express gratitude for the support received and look forward to leading Bearcat Hockey Club into this exciting new chapter. The program’s leadership is committed to unlocking new opportunities and potentials for players in Buffalo, creating an environment conducive to growth and success.
For more information about the relocation or to get in touch with Andrew and Pam Vargo, please contact:
Nicole Lauer, Chief Communications Officer
About The United States Premier Hockey League
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is the largest junior hockey organization in North America, with over 150 teams and more than 20,000 players aged 8-21. The league’s Junior Divisions include the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), and the Premier and Elite Divisions. The USPHL has sent more than 10,000 players to college hockey, including over 4,600 to the NCAA, and 18 NCDC alumni have been selected in the NHL Draft.