NHL to fund first HBCU hockey program at Tennessee State to 'dismantle barriers, diversify the game'

The National Hockey League has partnered with Tennessee State University to form the first men's hockey program for a historically black college in the United States.

The NHL announced that it joined the NHL Players' Association, NHL team the Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. in starting a program at TSU after an exploratory study in 2021. The feasibility study, funded by the NHL and NHLPA's Industry Growth Fund, determined the costs, personnel, and facilities that would be needed to have a team.

"Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration as we dismantle barriers, diversify the game, and propel hockey into a new era of inclusivity," said Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU director of athletics. "This partnership serves as a catalyst, driving change and ensuring that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity," he added.

The school plans to begin in the 2024-2025 season and intends to obtain NCAA Division I status, while also eventually adding a women's hockey team of the same caliber.

TSU will have pro-level access and will play home games at Ford Ice Center facilities, which are used by the Nashville Predators.

"We are thrilled whenever we have a chance to add any hockey program at the collegiate level, but to be able to announce the addition of club hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special," NHL vice president of hockey development and strategic collaboration Kevin Westgarth said. "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 players."

TSU's athletic department is reportedly searching for a director of club hockey operations to take on fundraising, corporate partnerships, and student-athlete recruitment.

The NHL's press release cited the leader of a Facebook group called Black Hockey Mommies as a possible source for the college program. As well, Ice Hockey in Harlem, which is affiliated with the NHL's outreach program, said it hopes to become a pipeline for the new college team.

The professional hockey league published its first diversity and inclusion report in October 2022, which included a section titled "Accelerating Diversity & Inclusion: NHL Report on Strategies, Initiatives and Progress." The section outlined the need for "leadership, education, employment, marketing, partnerships, participation and community engagement."

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