Tennessee State men’s hockey faces funding issues, potential shutdown

The first men’s hockey program at an HBCU “could be shuttered before it even plays a game unless funding is secured over the next month,” according to Julian McKenzie of THE ATHLETIC. Tennessee State President Dwayne Tucker on Friday said that the school is “still working to acquire funds to cover costs for the men’s hockey program.” McKenzie noted the program was announced in June 2023 at that year’s NHL Draft in Nashville. The program was intended to begin play as a club team for the 2024-25 season. Tucker said that TSU “needs funding to ensure the hockey program’s viability for ‘at least five years or more,’ accounting for operational costs and scholarships.” He added that a final decision “could be coming in the next ’30 days or so.’” Tucker said that there are “more pressing needs” at TSU than a new hockey program, including “outdated student dorms and the aging on-campus football stadium.” Predators EVP & CMO Bill Wickett said that discussions are “ongoing regarding funding for the men’s hockey program” (THE ATHLETIC, 6/19).