Tennessee State University is set to make history by becoming the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to offer men’s hockey at the collegiate level.
TSU made this groundbreaking announcement at Bridgestone Arena ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday. The addition of ice hockey highlights the university’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion and expanding athletic opportunities for students.
“Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is part of our ongoing commitment to providing our students with new opportunities and expanding new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access,” Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover said in a statement. “We value our continued partnership with the Nashville Predators who played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic project, to start an ice hockey program at TSU, and a first for HBCU. TSU has a tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our programs will start a new chapter and build on This legacy.”
TSU Hockey will begin its inaugural season in 2024, signaling a new era for the university. The team will begin as an ACHA program but aspires to achieve first place in the NCAA Division I for both men and women in the near future. While there is no set timeline for achieving NCAA status, TSU is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success.
“Today is a historic day as Tennessee State University, the highly regarded HBCU, teams up with the National Hockey League and the Nashville Predators in an unprecedented partnership,” said Dr. Mickey Allen, Director of Athletics at Tennessee State University. “TSU has been a great partner to the Predators for some time, and we are excited to help them work toward the goal of becoming the first HBCU to feature an NCAA Division I college hockey team. President Glover and Dr. Allen are visionaries in their position and should be commended for continuing to build Nashville into the ultimate hockey city” .
The hockey club program will have comprehensive oversight under the direction of the athletics department, ensuring a well-organized and successful implementation. TSU is currently hiring a Director of Hockey Operations for the clubs, who will be responsible for fundraising, seeking corporate partnerships, recruiting student-athletes, and managing day-to-day operations. In the meantime, Assistant AD Nick Guerriero will handle all TSU hockey-related inquiries.
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Dr. Allen to promote diversity and excellence in collegiate hockey,” said Guerrero. We will strive to take the program to new heights, creating a legacy that will inspire future generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the program on and off the ice, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges and successes that lie ahead.”
Getting into collegiate ice hockey marks a major milestone for Tennessee State University and the broader HBCU community. By breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities, TSU hockey aims to create a lasting legacy of inclusion, excellence, and athletic achievement.
“Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration as we break down barriers, diversify the game, and propel hockey into a new era of inclusivity,” said Allen. “This partnership serves as a catalyst that drives change and ensures that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity. With Tennessee State University, the NHL, and the Nashville Predators working together, we have the power to reshape the future of hockey and inspire generations to come. Together, we will chart a path toward a hockey community more comprehensive and standardized.
To support this initiative, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. key roles in the run-up to the announcement. College Hockey Inc. Feasibility study in 2021, emphasizing the importance of introducing ice hockey into the HBCU to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting, but the Tennessee State University Hockey Club is really special,” said Kevin Westgarth, vice president of hockey development and strategic collaboration. “Welcome of the Club Hockey Club to the HBCU is a meaningful step in the right direction for the sport and will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant hockey community and inspire future generations of players.”
The Predators have maintained a strong relationship with TSU and began the partnership by joining the university in its ‘One Million in One’ fundraiser in February 2020 as a major contributor. The Nashville-based NHL team has continued to donate to scholarship programs at TSU and provide training and job opportunities through the TSU Career Development Center.
Furthermore, during Black History Month in February 2022, the NHL hosted the Black Hockey History Tour at Hale Stadium, a pivotal step in bringing the sport of hockey to TSU’s campus.