Tennessee State University became the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to offer collegiate level hockey.

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