Tennessee State University hires first head coach for inaugural ice hockey team
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee State University has named a head hockey coach as the school will become the first historically Black college and university to introduce ice hockey.
On Thursday, TSU announced Duanté Abercrombie will be the inaugural head coach for the university's ice hockey team.
I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program, supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and all those eagerly awaiting this moment. I firmly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice but also as a program whose student-athletes leave a profound legacy on the world, enriched by the lessons learned at TSU." - Duanté Abercrombie
The initial announcement of the schools new men's hockey team was made in June of last year. The program was created in partnership with the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the Nashville Predators.
According to TSU, professionally, Abercrombie spent the 2022-23 season with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs organization as a member of the coaching staff for the Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League affiliate), and the Newfoundland Growlers (East Coast Hockey League affiliate).
Additionally, TSU reports Abercrombie attended Hampton University where he competed in track and field until an injury ended his sprinting career.
Upon leaving Hampton, TSU says Abercrombie had brief stints with the West Auckland Admirals in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL), the Steele City Warriors, and the Brewster Bulldogs of the Federal Hockey League.
The historic hire makes Abercrombie the first head coach of a hockey program at an HBCU.