EXPANDING ICE HOCKEY IN TENNESSEE: NHL AND NASHVILLE PREDATORS' CONTRIBUTION
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 19, 2024 The effort to bring men's ice hockey to Tennessee State University (TSU) was not a solitary endeavor but rather a collaborative achievement involving several key community partners. The NHL, Nashville Predators, College Hockey Inc., and TSU itself joined forces to establish what will become the first hockey team at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), with plans for competitive Division I play beginning in the 2025-26 season. The genesis of this initiative can be traced back to a relationship between TSU president Glenda Glover and Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry. Henry's offer to raise over $1 million in support, combined with Glover's commitment to facilitate the program on campus, laid the foundation for TSU's entry into collegiate hockey. Kevin Westgarth, Vice President of Hockey Development and Strategic Collaboration for the NHL, highlighted that the league had been actively exploring opportunities to introduce hockey at an HBCU when TSU's interest coincided with their objectives. This alignment was viewed as a significant opportunity to expand the reach of hockey and strengthen ties between the NHL and diverse communities, following successful partnerships with other universities like Arizona State University and the University of Delaware. Initially, the plan was for TSU to begin with club hockey in the 2024-25 season, aiming to transition to Division I by 2026-27. However, this timeline shifted under the guidance of TSU's new hockey coach, Duante' Abercrombie. Abercrombie advocated for bypassing the club stage altogether and moving directly to Division I play starting in 2025-26. He emphasized TSU's existing Division I athletic status and the logistical advantages of entering directly into competitive play, citing recruitment opportunities and scheduling considerations as key factors in this decision. The announcement of TSU's entry into collegiate hockey was met with enthusiasm and support, marking a significant milestone not only for the university but also for the broader hockey community. It represents a collaborative effort to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, setting a precedent for future partnerships and initiatives aimed at expanding hockey's reach to new audiences. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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