Tennessee State University is making history as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to offer NCAA ice hockey. The university recently announced its partnership with the NHL, the NHLPA, and the Nashville Predators to establish an ice hockey program.
The specifics of the program, whether it will include a men’s hockey team, women’s hockey team, or both, are yet to be revealed. A formal announcement is expected before the commencement of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
This groundbreaking initiative by the NHL and NHLPA aims to foster greater inclusivity and engagement with players and fans from diverse backgrounds. In line with this objective, the league unveiled the Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC) on Tuesday. Comprising 20 former NHL and women’s professional hockey players, the PIC will work towards promoting equality and inclusion in the sport.
Anson Carter and P.K. Subban, former NHL players, serve as co-chairs of the coalition. Carter expressed the group’s desire to effect positive change for underrepresented groups in hockey. 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.” Carter further emphasized the coalition’s commitment to expanding their impact by involving fans and inviting everyone who loves hockey to join their movement.
To support the efforts of the PIC in creating a more inclusive sport, the NHL and NHLPA have allocated $1 million in funding. This financial commitment will enable the coalition to initiate its endeavors and drive meaningful transformation in hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HBCU ice hockey
What is the significance of Tennessee State University introducing NCAA ice hockey?
Tennessee State University is making history as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to offer NCAA ice hockey. This initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport and provide new opportunities for players and fans from underrepresented backgrounds.
What is the partnership between Tennessee State University and the NHL?
Tennessee State University has partnered with the NHL, the NHLPA, and the Nashville Predators to establish their ice hockey program. This collaboration will provide support, resources, and expertise to help TSU successfully introduce and develop their ice hockey teams.
Will Tennessee State University have both men’s and women’s ice hockey teams?
The specific details regarding whether Tennessee State University will have men’s, women’s, or both ice hockey teams have not been announced yet. A formal announcement is expected prior to the start of the 2023 NHL Draft, which will provide further information about the composition of the teams.
What is the Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC) mentioned in the text?
The Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC) is a collective of 20 former NHL and women’s professional hockey players. The PIC aims to advance equality and inclusion in the sport of hockey by working together to bring diversity to the forefront. The coalition will act as advisors, ambassadors, and catalysts for real change in benefit of underrepresented groups in the game.
How is the NHL and NHLPA supporting the PIC?
The NHL and NHLPA have allocated $1 million to support the efforts of the Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC). This funding will enable the coalition to initiate their activities and make hockey a more inclusive sport by implementing programs and initiatives that promote diversity and equality.
4 comments
the player inclusion coalition (pic) sounds awesome! love that they’re workin’ on makin’ hockey more equal n inclusive. great job, nhl & nhlpa!
wow, tn state univ becomin’ 1st hbcu with ncaa ice hockey! amazin’ progress in makin’ sport more diverse. go tsu!
tsu partnerin’ with nhl & nashville preds for ice hockey? sooo cool! can’t wait to see if they hav men’s, women’s, or both teams. #excited
$1 mill support for pic? amazin’! let’s make hockey a sport for everyone, no matter where they come from. #diversitymatters