Tennessee State University (TSU) has made an exciting announcement, becoming the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to introduce an ice hockey program. In partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players Association, and the Nashville Predators, TSU will create the new program. A joint news conference will be held at Bridgestone Arena ahead of the NHL draft on Wednesday.
The decision to explore the idea of implementing a hockey program at TSU was made in May 2021 when the university participated in a feasibility study conducted by College Hockey Inc., an organization that aims to promote the growth of college hockey. The study aimed to determine whether TSU was in a position to add a hockey team.
TSU President Glenda Glover expressed her excitement about establishing a collegiate hockey program at the university, saying, The idea of establishing a collegiate hockey program at TSU is a tremendous opportunity as the nation’s first HBCU to take on this endeavor. This allows us to expand the sport, increase diversity, and introduce a new fan base.
According to ESPN, the men’s team will begin playing as a club program in 2024. While no timeline has been announced, TSU’s goal is to eventually field both a Division I men’s and women’s team.
President Glover stated, Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of our continued commitment to provide our students with new opportunities and to foster new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Nashville Predators, which has played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic undertaking of starting an ice hockey program at TSU, the first for an HBCU.
This addition of TSU’s hockey program follows the recent trend of HBCUs expanding their athletic departments by adding new, non-traditional sports programs. Examples include Fisk University and Talladega College, which are the only HBCUs offering women’s gymnastics, and Morgan State University’s plans to become the only HBCU offering Division I men’s wrestling in the upcoming school year.
TSU’s decision to introduce an ice hockey program is a groundbreaking initiative that promotes diversity and inclusion within college sports. By partnering with the NHL, the National Hockey League Players Association, and the Nashville Predators, TSU is setting a new standard and broadening opportunities for its students. The university’s dedication to expanding their sports programs reflects their commitment to providing a wider range of opportunities for their student body.
As TSU prepares to introduce its hockey program, it signifies a significant milestone for HBCUs and the sport of hockey as a whole. With their eyes set on eventually fielding both a Division I men’s and women’s team, TSU’s hockey program promises to attract new fans and players, increasing the sport’s diversity and popularity. This historic undertaking will catalyze change within the hockey world, showcasing the influence and importance of HBCUs in shaping the future of sports.
