nashville — Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover and Director of Athletics Dr. Mickey Allen are pleased to welcome Duante Abercrombie as the first head coach of the men's hockey team. This historic hire makes Abercrombie the first head coach of a hockey program at a historically black college or university (HBCU).
“Supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and everyone who is looking forward to this moment, I am very excited to begin building this program,” Abercrombie said. “I strongly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice, but also as a program that leaves a deep legacy in the world, enriched by the lessons our student-athletes learned at TSU. ”
In June 2023, TSU announced plans to become the first HBCU to offer men's hockey. Abercrombie's hiring further solidifies that plan.
“The appointment of Duante Abercrombie as TSU Hockey Head Coach is a testament to our dedication to breaking down barriers,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “We recognize the deep significance of bringing hockey to HBCUs and providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to enrich their college experience. It builds on the TSU tradition we envisioned for this university as a “continuing pursuit of excellence in academic and extracurricular programs.'' ”
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Abercrombie is an inaugural member of the National Hockey League Coaches Association's BIPOC Coaches Program. The program is designed to specifically support Black, Indigenous, and people of color coaches in several areas, including skill development, leadership strategies, communication tactics, networking, and career advancement opportunities.
Abercrombie, who grew up in Washington, D.C., was mentored by prominent black hockey players such as Neil Henderson and Graham Townsend throughout his hockey journey. Henderson is the first African American to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and only the third person of color to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.Since 1978, he led his ice hockey club, the Dupont Cannons, and received numerous prestigious awards. Award-winning. Townsend, the NHL's first Jamaican-born player, runs the Townsend Hockey School, where Abercrombie serves as a senior instructor and works with NCAA and NHL prospects.
Abercrombie's dedication to hockey and community involvement has garnered attention. He is recognized for his work as the inaugural member of the Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and as co-creator and lead instructor of the Rising Stars Academy, which offers free programs, and Washington's He was nominated for the 2024 Willie His Ollie His Community His Hero Award from the Capitals. Elite skill development and coaching for local hockey players of color. Henderson was nominated for the inaugural award in 2018, and the award has since been given to “individuals who have made a positive impact on their community, culture, or society through the game of hockey.” This year's award winners will be announced before the NHL Draft in Las Vegas in late June.
“Today is a historic moment for the Tennessee State University Athletics Department as we welcome our first-ever head hockey coach,” Allen said. “With Duante's extensive experience in player development and coaching, I am confident in his ability to build a reliable program and help our student-athletes excel on and off the ice. We are excited to embark on this groundbreaking journey with you!”
In addition to men's hockey, Allen's growing list of sports will include baseball, women's soccer, women's swimming and diving from 2025 to 2028.
Professionally, Abercrombie will spend the 2022-23 season in the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs organization as a member of the coaching staffs for the Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies (of the American Hockey League), and Newfoundland Growlers (of the East Coast Hockey League). Ta. As part of his responsibilities, Abercrombie worked closely with video coaches to develop and present detailed pre-scouting and player analysis packages to individuals and teams. On the ice, he supported each player's development process, helped prepare and run practices, and led a healthy scratch game day preparation. During games, he was either coaching from the bench or was an empty eye five-on-five.
Abercrombie has been involved in several NHL BIPOC initiatives, including serving as a guest coach for the San Jose Sharks' 2023 training camp under head coach David Quinn and Mike Grier, the first Black NHL general manager. . The Boston Bruins' 2021-22 Scouting Mentoring Program and the 2021 Arizona Coyotes will be the subject of ESPN's four-part series “NHL Bound,” as two Black hockey coaches pursue their dreams of working in the NHL. I recorded the appearance. It is part of the Arizona Coyotes' first-ever coaching internship program, dedicated to deepening the development of diverse talent. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Coyotes' management and coaching staff, as well as the personal dedication, sacrifice, and passion of Abercrombie and Nathanial Brooks to break stereotypes and earn their place behind the bench in the NHL. I was able to catch a glimpse of it.
“After our initial interactions, we knew Duante was the right person to lead the way,” said Nick Guerriero, director of hockey and assistant AD for communications and creative content. “His understanding of HBCU culture, the college hockey world, and the NHL will greatly benefit our team. I am excited to work with Coach Abercrombie to develop TSU Hockey into a championship-level program. I am excited.”
In 2020, The Athletic named him to their Hockey Players Under 40 list as someone shaping the future of hockey. At the time of publication, the list included future and current front office members and head coaches at the time, such as Spencer Carberry, head coach of the Washington Capitals. Sheldon Keefe, head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kyle Dubas, general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brett Peterson, assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers and general manager of the 2024 U.S. Men's National Team. Lindsey Penal, NHL Coaches Association Executive Director. David Karl, head coach at the University of Denver. Patrick Burke, NHL Senior Director of Player Safety. Rod Braceful, Director of Player Personnel, USA NTDP. Stephanie Jackson, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for U.S. Hockey. Jeremy Kollation, former Chicago Blackhawks head coach. Chris Snow, former Calgary Flames assistant general manager.
In 2019, Abercrombie joined the coaching staff at Stevenson University (NCAA Division III), but at the time of his hire, he was only one of four Black coaches in NCAA men's hockey. In 2021-22, the Mustangs finished the season with 18 wins and nine straight wins, and Ryan Kenney was named United Collegiate Hockey Conference Goaltender and Middle Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Abercrombie attended Hampton University and competed in track and field until an injury ended his career as a sprinter. After leaving Hampton, Abercrombie had brief stints with the West Auckland Admirals and Steel City Warriors of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL), and the Brewster Bulldogs of the Federal Hockey League.
A graduate of the prestigious Gonzaga University High School, Abercrombie led the Eagles to multiple championships as a player and coach. He also coached at Georgetown Preparatory School, helping lead the team to its first Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) championship in his first year.
Abercrombie is married to Melanie Moore, a Columbia University Hampton and Teachers College graduate and former high school educator, and they are the proud parents of two children, Patrick and Eva.
A formal press conference and reception will be held to formally introduce Abercrombie, the date and time to be announced at a later date.
If you are a member of the media interested in attending the press conference or have an urgent media request, please contact Nick Guerriero at nguerrie@tnstate.edu.
“What they say”
Kyle Dubas, Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager
“I had the opportunity to work with Duante in Toronto last season and found him to be a great communicator with tremendous energy and knowledge to build a great development program. It's very exciting to see us get this opportunity to build in Tennessee. ”
Mike Grier, San Jose Sharks General Manager
“Duante is a very intelligent and hard-working person. He has a great hockey mind. He is detailed and organized. Duante has a great personality and a unique ability to connect with all players. Masu.”
Brett Peterson, Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager and Team USA GM
“Congratulations to Duante and Tennessee State University on this historic hire. Duante is a motivated and focused coach who has studied the game at every level in preparation for this opportunity. I look forward to seeing it expand its diverse vision under Duante's leadership.”
Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach
“Duante is a natural leader with an incredible passion for hockey and coaching, and we are thrilled that he has this well-deserved opportunity to lead the TSU hockey program.”
Spencer Carberry, Washington Capitals Head Coach
“I'm so excited and proud of Duante! He is so deserving of this opportunity.”
Lindsey Penal, NHL Coaches Association Executive Director
“TSU has found the right coach in Duante Abercrombie, who has invested time and effort to earn this role and take the reins of a new men's hockey program. He is intelligent, passionate and , a kind man who puts the players first.'' I can't wait to see Duante take the bench when TSU plays its historic first game. ”
Graham Townsend, former NHL player and president of Townsend Hockey Skate Systems
“Duante will prove to be one of the brightest talents in college hockey. He brings a wealth of experience rooted in high character, compassion and integrity. He will be a great addition to all members of college hockey. He will be an incredible role model for the Tennessee State University community. ”
