Tennessee State once again cancels inaugural season
Opening Faceoff
Tennessee State won’t launch its program in 2026-27, marking the second straight season that university has canceled plans to launch the program. However, this time, the situation seems more bleak than before. TSU’s president essentially said that the program needed to be self-sustainable, through fundraising, for at least five years before it would be added, as the university has turned its attention to solving a budget deficit and improving other on-campus facilities.
Other topics in today’s issue include:
Alaska’s future use of the Carlson Center hit a snag two weeks ago during a town meeting. The topic will be discussed again on July 23, but as of right now, the town has now approved UAF to use the Carlson Center for its games next season.
Yale AD Vicky Chun’s contract has officially expired. She’s still Yale’s AD, but the university has retained a law firm to do an external investigation into the athletic department.
NCHC commissioner Heather Weems received a contract extension, and Union promoted John Ronan.
Tennessee State once again cancels inaugural season
There was a glimmer of hope this spring that Tennessee State was nearing the launch of its Division I hockey program. NCAA coaches told me the Tigers were soliciting opponents for the 2026-27 season. But it was only a glimmer. The program never assembled a roster, and the university ultimately canceled plans for the season.
It’s the second straight year Tennessee State has postponed its inaugural campaign.
The program was originally scheduled to debut in 2025-26 and had already secured a partial recruiting class. Boston University was slated to open its season with an exhibition game against the Tigers before those plans were shelved last summer because of funding issues. Most of the committed players eventually found new homes. Ironically, national championship-winning goaltender Johnny Hicks, who helped Denver capture the NCAA title, was originally committed to Tennessee State.
