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Through a partnership with the NHL and the
Nashville Predators, the TSU program will begin play in 2024 as
a recognized club level team and aims to achieve Division I
status in men's and women's hockey, the university said
Wednesday.
"Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of
our continued commitment to provide our students with new
opportunities and to broaden new interests in areas where they
have traditionally had limited or no access," said TSU President
Glenda Glover. "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, and the first for an HBCU. TSU has a
tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our
programs will start a new chapter and build upon that legacy."
Tennessee State also plans to establish a partnership with the
NHL Players Association and said a feasibility study conducted
in 2021 indicated the Nashville-based university was equipped to
launch the sport.
College Hockey Inc. conducted the study as sponsored by the NHL
since 2017.
Tennessee State said the emphasis was on the significance of
introducing ice hockey at an HBCU to promote diversity and
inclusion in sports.
"Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting
but Club Hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special,"
said Kevin Westgarth, the NHL's VP Hockey Development &
Strategic Collaboration. "Welcoming Club hockey at a storied
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."
--Field Level Media
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