Tennessee State University Reportedly Has First Men's Ice Hockey Player Commitment

Tennessee State University's men's ice hockey program has its first commitment.

Kyle T. Mosley | Jan 19, 2024

Tennessee State University's men's ice hockey team reportedly has a commitment from Xavier Abel as the program's first signee. He is a transfer student and currently enrolled at the university. He was recruited to the Tigers by assistant athletic director and director of hockey, Nick Guerriero.

Abel has played on the Drury University's hockey team in the ACHA division since the 2022 season. He played in 34 games scoring 12 goals (three game-winning goals) with 6 assists, 18 points, and 24 penalty minutes. Xavier scored the team's first-ever goal against St. Louis University on Sept. 23, 2023.

Xavier Abel - TSU 2 — Tennessee State Ice Hockey Player, Xavier Abel; Credit: Xavier Abel

He hails from Chicago, stands 5-10 and weighs 155 pounds. Abel was at the Gentry Center watching the Texas Tennessee Tech-Tennessee State basketball game with TSU representatives.

The Tennessee State men's ice hockey program is set to officially launch in the Fall of 2024. The NHL's Nashville Predators and league will partner with the team.

HBCU Ice Hockey Launches At Tennessee State

XAVIER ABEL

Position: F
5'10 / 155lbs
Shoots: R
Birthdate: 2001-06-29
Hometown: Chicago, IL
School Name: Drury University

Tennessee State To Become First HBCU With Ice Hockey, Per Report

Published Jan 19, 2024

KYLE T. MOSLEY

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