A Historic First: Tennessee State University Pioneers HBCU Division I Hockey
Tennessee State University (TSU) is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to become the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to field a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I ice hockey team. This initiative signifies a monumental step toward promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport.
TSU's Ambitious Plan
TSU officially announced its plan to establish a Division I ice hockey program in June 2023. The program's first official season is slated to commence in 2025-26. This ambitious undertaking marks a pivotal moment for HBCUs and the sport of hockey, symbolizing progress toward greater inclusivity and representation.
Leadership and Vision
Duanté Abercrombie has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the men's hockey team. Abercrombie's extensive experience in player development and coaching positions him as a strong leader to build a reputable program and inspire student-athletes.
Abercrombie expressed his excitement about building the program, emphasizing the support of his family, TSU students, alumni, and the community. He recognizes the significance of this moment and is dedicated to ensuring its success. "Tennessee State University is making history, and we’re also shaping the future of hockey," said TSU hockey coach Duanté Ambercrombie.
The Significance of HBCU Hockey
The establishment of TSU’s hockey team represents a pivotal moment for HBCUs and the sport of hockey. “This team represents more than just competition on the ice - it’s about expanding opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in hockey." It symbolizes progress toward greater inclusivity and representation in a sport in which Black Americans have not typically participated.
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The Architect: Duanté Abercrombie
Duanté Abercrombie's appointment as head coach is a testament to TSU's dedication to breaking barriers. Abercrombie's journey in hockey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Washington, D.C., where he was mentored by notable Black hockey figures such as Neal Henderson and Graeme Townshend.
Mentorship and Early Influences
Raised in Washington, D.C., Abercrombie was mentored throughout his hockey journey by notable Black hockey figures such as Neal Henderson and Graeme Townshend. Henderson, the first Black man to be inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, has led the Fort Dupont Cannons Ice Hockey Club since 1978. Abercrombie credits Henderson for instilling in him a love for the game and providing guidance throughout his career.
Coaching Career
Abercrombie's coaching career began at Stevenson University (NCAA Division-III), where he was one of only four Black coaches in NCAA men's hockey at the time of his hiring in 2019. He then spent a season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, working with the Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League affiliate), and the Newfoundland Growlers (East Coast Hockey League affiliate). As part of his responsibilities, Abercrombie worked closely with the video coaches to create and present detailed pre-scout and player analysis packages to individuals and the team. On the ice, he assisted in each player's development process, helped with the preparation and execution of practice, and led healthy scratches' game day preparation.
Abercrombie has also been involved with several NHL BIPOC initiatives including as a guest coach for the San Jose Sharks 2023 training camp under head coach David Quinn and Mike Grier, the first Black NHL general manager; the Boston Bruins' 2021-22 scouting mentorship program, and the Arizona Coyotes in 2021 where he was the subject of 'NHL Bound', a four-part series on ESPN which chronicled two Black hockey coaches chasing their dream to work in the NHL as part of Arizona Coyotes' first-ever coaching internship program, dedicated to creating a deeper pool of diverse talent.
Recognition and Accolades
Abercrombie's dedication to hockey and community involvement has been widely recognized. In 2020, The Athletic selected him for its 40-Under-40 hockey list as an individual shaping the game's future. He's been nominated by the Washington Capitals for the 2024 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his work as an inaugural member of the Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and as a co-creator/lead instructor with the Rising Stars Academy, a free program providing elite skill development and mentorship for local hockey players of color.
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Building the Team: Recruiting and Commitments
TSU is actively recruiting players to build its Division I ice hockey team. The program has already secured commitments from several talented athletes.
Key Commitments
On Jan. 19, TSU got their first official commitment from an ice hockey recruit, Xavier Abel. Abel played at Drury University and scored 12 goals in 34 games, including three game-winning goals. In July, the Tigers got their second commitment from forward Trey Fechko. In October, Trey’s brother Marcus Fechko also committed to Tennessee State. Since, the Tigers have also signed forward Greye Rampton, goaltender Johnny Hicks, Grady Hoffman and four-star forward Bowden Singleton. Singleton flipped his commitment from North Dakota to Tennessee State.
Recruiting Challenges and Strategies
Abercrombie recognizes the competitive recruiting landscape and is actively working to attract talented players to TSU. "We are one of 65 options on the division one level for these athletes to choose from," he said. Abercrombie isn’t afraid to punch up and is working on scheduling teams from some of the best conferences in the country including the Big Ten, Hockey East and the NCHC.
Overcoming Challenges
Establishing a Division I ice hockey program at an HBCU presents unique challenges. Funding is a significant hurdle, as ice hockey is an expensive sport and completely foreign to HBCUs.
Fundraising Efforts
For its initial two seasons, TSU’s hockey program has set a fundraising goal of $5 million to cover operational costs. Including scholarships and facilities. TSU has partnered with the NHL and the Nashville Predators to support its fundraising efforts. The university is also assembling a TSU Friends of Hockey Fundraising Team to seek additional corporate and individual contributions.
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Ben Crump's Contribution
Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump has donated $10,000 to assist the team’s fundraising efforts. Crump’s contribution is a big step toward achieving this target, and he encourages others to join him in supporting this historic endeavor. “This team represents more than just competition on the ice - it’s about expanding opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in hockey."
The Broader Impact
TSU's initiative has the potential to transform the landscape of college hockey and create more opportunities for Black athletes in the sport.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The establishment of TSU's hockey team sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. It challenges stereotypes and demonstrates that HBCUs can compete in sports that have traditionally been dominated by predominantly white institutions.
Inspiring Future Generations
TSU's hockey program can inspire future generations of Black athletes to pursue their dreams in hockey. By providing a platform for Black athletes to excel, TSU can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.
Creating Opportunities for Black Athletes
“I think it’s important to invest in these unorthodox sports for Black athletes because it allows Black children to have more opportunities to play sports in general,” said Zion Williams, a 2024 Gettysburg College graduate and former collegiate athlete. “The more opportunities that children have, the better. More than three decades later, Abercrombie gets to represent an HBCU with a fledging program in a sport that, traditionally, doesn’t feature many people who look like him, especially in the coaching ranks. “I knew this day would come. There’s nothing like being first, but you also want to make sure that you’re not the last so we want to make sure that we do it right so that everyone sees a good example so that we can have the next HBCU and the next HBCU join as well,” said Abercrombie. That’s the opportunity hockey has afforded Duanté Abercrombie.
Washington Capitals' Support for Black History
The Washington Capitals are actively involved in celebrating Black History and supporting minority youth hockey programming.
Celebrating Black History Night
The Washington Capitals host an annual Celebrating Black History Night, featuring custom-designed specialty jerseys that are auctioned off to support minority youth hockey programming. The organization also conducts in-game and social media activations and content, and features the Capitals Black Hockey History Display.
Rising Stars Academy
The Capitals launched the Rising Stars Academy in 2023 as a co-ed program established to provide elite skill development and mentorship for local hockey players of color. The program emphasizes physical and mental strength as well as social discussions around hockey culture.
Black Hockey History Display
Capitals fans are encouraged to visit the Black Hockey History Display at Capital One Arena, which was unveiled in February 2022. It is a permanent display on the main concourse at section 112 devoted to the Capitals Black history and players.
