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In episode #277 of the Glass and Out Podcast we had the pleasure of being joined by Duante' Abercrombie, who will be leading Tennessee State University as Head Coach in their inaugural season as a Div. 1 hockey program next season. In the process, TSU will become the first HBCU (Historically Black College or University) hockey program in history.
A glance at Abercrombie's resume leaves no doubt that he is the right person to lead the Tigers. That includes his time as an Assistant Coach with Stevenson University, becoming just the fourth coach of colour at that time in the NCAA. Professionally, he spent the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations and has also been a part of several NHL BIPOC programs, spending time with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes.
Last year he was nominated for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award for his work with the Washington Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and the Rising Stars Academy.
Listen as he shares what the new role at TSU means to him, how hockey can be used to connect people of all backgrounds, and the importance of wanting someone else to win more than you do.
Video Timestamps:
- 0:00 New role with TSU/Hockey's first HBCU
- 5:15 Unique opportunity for players
- 11:20 Writing the first chapter/evaluating players
- 16:00 Preparing for role
- 20:00 Introduction to hockey
- 23:30 Being raised by a single mom
- 26:10 Fort Dupont Cannons
- 31:00 Showing players you care/Sharing 3
- 39:20 Importance of ceremonies
- 45:45 Taking career risks/introduction to NHL
- 50:00 Non-technical skills gained from NHL
- 54:05 Learning at development camps
- 57:05 Washington Capitals Rising Stars
- 1:01:50 Impact of TSU on hockey community
