NHL Pledges $250K to Support Hockey at TSU After Launch Delay

Tennessee State University recently announced they will have to pause the launch of their first-ever NCAA Division I men’s hockey program, now slated for the 2026–27 season. The decision comes amid financial struggles at the university, along with challenges raising $5 million in independent funding for the program. 

To help keep the spirit alive despite the delay, the National Hockey League—who has been working closely with TSU and the Nashville Predators since the university’s official announcement in June 2023—stepped up with a $250,000 donation. The hope is that the contribution helps move the program ahead and ensures a fully resourced inaugural season worthy of the university.

“Working closely with the NHL and Nashville Predators, we agree that an additional year will provide the program with the time and resources it needs to launch at full strength, with long-term financial success in mind,” said TSU’s interim president, Dwayne Tucker, in a press release. 

Despite Current Political Landscape, the NHL Remains in Support of Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

The added prep time will allow TSU to focus on recruiting, faculty planning, staff development, and continued fundraising. It also aligns with a broader goal of bridging hockey into more diverse communities.

TSU’s men’s ice hockey program will be the first of its kind in HBCU history, making diversity and representation core to its foundation. That mission fits perfectly with the NHL’s D&I efforts, making this partnership feel like a natural fit.

Back in 2022, the NHL released its first-ever 24-page diversity and inclusion report aimed at highlighting and taking action on diversity issues facing players, fans, and the NHL workforce. In it (among the not-so-surprising fact that only about 5% of their players are Black) is a note that nods to the growing relationship with TSU and reaffirms the message that “Hockey Is for Everyone.”

In addition to moves like these, the league launched the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC), along with a number of community programs supporting BIPOC players, LGBTQ+ players, women, girls, and people with disabilities. 

Support from Tennessee’s NHL franchise, the Nashville Predators, has also been strong. Beyond ongoing resources, the Predators and TSU teamed up in 2024 on custom-designed Black History Month jerseys featuring West African symbols and a typeface inspired by nonviolent protest signs.

How Does This Delay Impact Players Already Committed?

One of the first hockey recruits TSU announced was 22-year-old forward Xavier Abel, who transferred from Drury University in 2024. As one of the only Black players at his former school, Abel was ready to be a part of something new. 

“Once I saw on Twitter where TSU was starting a hockey team, I wanted to have a part. Everyone knows it has always been a predominantly Caucasian sport… I felt like this was the perfect opportunity for me to make an impact on the sport at this level in case I can’t make it as a professional.”

Now enrolled and taking classes, Abel is part of the TSU community—but what does this shift in schedule mean for excited recruits like him who have already made their transition? Unfortunately, the situation can be sticky.

There’s no word on Xavier’s next steps, but players like him may choose to wait it out. Others might explore the NCAA Transfer Portal or look into junior hockey (which is available until age 20) as a way to stay on the ice while skilling up for the NCAA.

What we do know: if any recruit decides to move around, they likely won’t find an opportunity that fits like TSU’s.

The HBCU Community’s Support Is Crucial

Though the program has hit a pause, players like Xavier Abel—and TSU’s athletic department as a whole—need support from the HBCU community and beyond. What they’re building has quite literally never been done before and deserves strong backing to help the program stand out among the rest.

For information on supporting or donating to the program, please visit [here] for details.