Tennessee State University has announced that it will become the first HBCU to have ice hockey as a part of its athletic program.

According to CBS News, TSU is set to partner with the NHL, the NHLPA, and the Nashville Predators to launch the hockey club.

The university’s first hockey team is expected to debut during the 2024 season. TSU plans to have both Division I men's and women's teams.

Glenda Glover, President of TSU released a statement confirming that the Tigers will now house a hockey program.

"Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of our continued commitment to provide our students with new opportunities and to broaden new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access," Glover’s statement read. "We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Nashville Predators which has played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic undertaking of starting an ice hockey program at TSU, and the first for a HBCU."

"Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration as we dismantle barriers, diversify the game, and propel hockey into a new era of inclusivity," TSU athletic director Mikki Allen added. "This partnership serves as a catalyst, driving change and ensuring that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity."

The announcement preceded the NHL Draft, which was held in Nashville on June 29. TSU’s partnership with the NHL is part of the league’s ongoing effort to diversify the sport.

On Tuesday, the league announced the creation of the Player Inclusion Coalition, which is made up of “20 former NHL and women's professional hockey players who will work to advance equality and inclusion in the sport of hockey."

Former NHL player Anson Carter says that the organization will target “underrepresented” groups that haven’t had exposure to ice hockey.

"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 said. "As we enter the coalition's next phase, we are excited to grow our impact by sharing more of our work with fans to invite everyone who loves hockey to join the movement with us."

TSU is currently conducting a search to hire its first director of hockey operations who will “be responsible for fundraising, community partnerships, student-athlete recruitment, and managing day-to-day operations.”