The launch of Tennessee State University’s historic men’s hockey program will shift to the 2026-27 season. The decision, made in collaboration with the National Hockey League (NHL); the Nashville Predators; and College Hockey, Inc., underscores a shared commitment to building a sustainable and competitive program from day one.
The announcement coincides with a $250,000 grant from the NHL/National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Industry Growth Fund and continued support from the Nashville Predators. TSU remains poised to become the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to sponsor NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey.
“Working closely with the NHL and the Predators, we agree that an additional year will provide the program with the time and resources it needs to launch at full strength and with long-term financial success in mind,” said TSU Interim President Dwayne Tucker.
The extra preparation period will focus on recruiting, facility planning, staff development, and fundraising efforts. It also aligns with a broader vision to grow the sport of hockey in diverse communities.
“We continue to look forward to helping to make the Division I hockey dream a reality at Tennessee State,” said Bill Wickett, ‘chief marketing officer’ of the Nashville Predators. “We applaud university leadership, led by interim President Tucker, for its desire to ensure that when the Tigers step on the ice for the first time, they are doing it for a long time, and we pledge to walk hand-in-hand with that leadership in making it happen.”
The NHL and the NHLPA Industry Growth Fund have been catalysts for the historic launch of TSU hockey. From funding the initial feasibility study to providing seed funding that is attracting even greater investment, the IGF exemplifies how bold, innovative initiatives can grow the game and expand hockey’s reach into new communities.
“Deferring the inaugural season of TSU Tigers hockey to 2026-27 is the right step to build a foundation worthy of the university,” said Kevin Westgarth, NHL vice president of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration. “TSU has faced challenges before and always met them and come back stronger, and we expect hockey to be the latest chapter of that story. We have faith in President Tucker’s vision and look forward to adding new names to the TSU Athletics history alongside legends like Olympic Gold medalist Wilma Rudolph and NBA Champion Dick Barnett. Hopefully, we’ll see an ex-Tiger raise the Stanley Cup one day, not too far in the future.”
College Hockey, Inc. has provided key support throughout the process, beginning with its initial feasibility study in 2021. Its continued guidance will help ensure TSU’s successful transition into NCAA Division I hockey.
“College Hockey, Inc. remains fully supportive of Tennessee State’s commitment to adding men’s ice hockey to its athletics program,” said Sean Hogan, ‘executive director’ of College Hockey, Inc. “We’re excited to work closely with TSU as it prepares to launch and to see the impact this historic initiative will have on both the university and the growth of college hockey.”
TSU’s inaugural season is now set for Fall 2026. In the meantime, preparations will continue through the upcoming academic year, including community engagement, donor initiatives, and program development.
For more information or to support TSU hockey, visit <www.tsutigers.com/hockey>.
