TSU marks a historic milestone as the first HBCU to introduce hockey

Author: Nick Guerriero

NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is set to make history by becoming the first historically black college or university to offer men’s hockey at the collegiate level. TSU made the groundbreaking announcement at Bridgestone Arena prior to the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The addition of hockey underscores the universities commitment to diversity, inclusion and expanding student athletic opportunities.

“Bringing 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,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. We appreciate our continued partnership with the Nashville Predators, who have played a key role in our decision to continue this historic endeavor, starting a hockey program at TSU and a first for an HBCU. TSU has a tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our programs starts a new chapter and builds on that legacy.

TSU Hockey will begin its inaugural season in 2024, marking a new era for the university. The team begins as a club-level program, but aims to achieve NCAA Division I status for both the men’s and women’s teams in the near future. While there is no specific timeline for achieving varsity NCAA status, TSU is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success. Today marks a historic day as Tennessee State University, a prestigious HBCU, partners with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Nashville Predators in an unprecedented partnership, said Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU Director of Athletics.

“TSU has been a great partner for the Predators for some time, and we are excited to help them work toward their goal of becoming the first HBCU to field an NCAA Division I college hockey team,” said Sean Henry, President and CEO of the Nashville Predators. . President Glover and Dr. Allen are visionaries in their respective positions and should be commended for continuing to build Nashville into a premier hockey city.

The ice hockey program receives comprehensive supervision under the guidance of the athletics department, which ensures a well-structured and successful implementation. TSU is currently hiring for a Director of Club Hockey Operations 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 excited to embark on this exciting journey with Dr. Allen to promote diversity and excellence in college hockey,” said Guerriero. We strive to take the program to new heights and create a legacy that will inspire generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the development of the program on and off the ice and look forward to the challenges and successes that await us.

The tryout for collegiate hockey is a significant milestone for Tennessee State University and the broader HBCU community. By breaking barriers and creating new opportunities, TSU Hockey strives 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 take hockey into a new era of inclusion, Allen noted. This partnership acts as a catalyst, driving change and ensuring that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity. With Tennessee State University, the NHL and the Nashville Predators working hand in hand, we have the potential to shape the future of hockey and inspire generations to come. Together, we create a path towards a more inclusive and united hockey community.

In support of this initiative, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Nashville Predators and College Hockey Inc. are playing a key role in preparing the announcement. In 2021, College Hockey Inc. conducted a feasibility study that highlighted the importance of introducing hockey at HBCUs in promoting sports diversity and inclusion.

Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting, but Club Hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special, said Kevin Westgarth, Director of Hockey Development and Strategic Partnerships. Welcoming club hockey to a storied HBCU is a meaningful step in the right direction for the sport and will undoubtedly contribute to a vibrant hockey community and inspire future generations of players.

The Nashville Predators organization has maintained a strong relationship with TSU and began the partnership by joining the university’s February 2020 Million a Month fundraising campaign as a major contributor. The Nashville-based NHL team has continued to donate to TSU’s scholarship programs and provide internship and job opportunities through the TSU Career Development Center.

Additionally, during Black History Month in February 2022, the NHL will host the Black Hockey History Tour at Hale Stadium, a key step in bringing hockey to TSU’s campus.