First HBCU Hockey Team Unveils Jerseys

Even Black men can play the game of hockey.

In the works for a couple of years now, a new team jersey is officially in the hands of the Tennessee State University men’s hockey team as of last week, according to Yahoo Sports. The new HBCU team jersey announcement transpired amid TSU’s 67th National Alumni Association Convention. The team will wear the jerseys for the entire 2025-26 season, according to the NHL.

Social media posts highlight TSU Coach Duante’ Abercrombie donning the jersey. The team design is royal blue with red and white stripes on the sleeves and bottom. And, it has a Tiger face on the front as well as a lowercase “TSU” on each arm.

The history started a year ago when in 2023 TSU announced plans to start an HBCU hockey program, partnering with the NHL and NHLPA to bring hockey to a collegiate level.

“Tennessee State University, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) and the Nashville Predators, invites members of the media to a press conference at Bridgestone Arena to announce a significant milestone: TSU’s groundbreaking initiative as the first Historically Black college and university (HBCU) to introduce ice hockey at the collegiate level,” per MSN.

A year later, Abercrombie was named the head coach of the inaugural ice hockey team.

“I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program,” Abercrombie said in a press release. “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.”

According to the NHL, Abercrombie has experience thanks to coaching Stevenson University and the Washington Little Capitals. Other associate and guest coaching stints include the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Arizona Coyotes.

Following the launch of the new TSU jersey, Abercrombie is currently on the road recruiting more players. His tour comprises stops in Toronto at the annual Black Hockey Summit, according to the NHL. This Summit is hosted by Hockey Equality, which is a nonprofit organization led by retired NHL forward Anthony Steward.

Photo Credit: NHL.com By William Douglas