Tennessee State University (TSU) has made a groundbreaking announcement ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville. TSU is set to become the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to offer college hockey. This historic step is made possible through a partnership between TSU, the NHL, the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), and the Nashville Predators.
Details regarding whether TSU will establish a men’s hockey team, women’s hockey team, or both, are yet to be revealed. A formal announcement is expected prior to the start of the 2023 draft at Bridgestone Arena.
This initiative is part of the NHL and NHLPA’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey. Recently, they announced the formation of the Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC), consisting of 20 former NHL and women’s professional hockey players. The PIC aims to advance equality and inclusion within hockey.
Anson Carter and P.K. Subban, former NHL players, serve as the co-chairs of the organization. Carter emphasized the coalition’s goal of driving positive change for underrepresented groups in the sport. He stated, “Every member of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition shares a passion to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the hockey community. It has been incredible to work together to amplify the role of Players as advisors, ambassadors, and catalysts for real change, which benefits underrepresented groups in the game. As we enter the coalition’s next phase, we are excited to grow our impact by sharing more of our work with fans to invite everyone who loves hockey to join the movement with us.”
The NHL and NHLPA have allocated $1 million to support the PIC’s initiatives in fostering a more inclusive hockey community.
