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6 // MAY 2024 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O F F T HE D R AW Ready To Lead Duante' Abercrombie plans on making an impact for Tennessee State University hockey players on and off the ice D uante' Abercrombie was named as the inaugural head coach of the TSU men's hockey team, and the historic hire makes Abercrombie the first head coach of a hockey program at a histor- ically Black college or university (HBCU). "I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program, supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and all those eagerly awaiting this moment," said Abercrombie. "I firmly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice but also as a program whose student-athletes leave a profound legacy on the world, enriched by the lessons learned at TSU." TSU announced plans last year to become the first HBCU to offer men's hockey. "Duante' Abercrombie's appointment as TSU's head coach of hockey is a testament to our dedication to breaking barriers," said TSU president Glenda Glover. "We recognize the profound significance of bringing hockey to an HBCU and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities that will enrich their college experience. This bold move builds upon the TSU legacy that we had envi- sioned for the institution as a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, with a contin- ued commitment to excellence." Abercrombie is an inaugural member of the National Hockey League Coaches' Association's BIPOC Coaches Program, which aims to specifically support Black, Indigenous, and coaches of color in several areas includ- ing skills development, leadership strategies, communication tactics, networking, and career advancement opportunities. The Washington D.C. native was mentored throughout his hockey journey by notable Black hockey figures such as Neal Henderson and Graeme Townshend. Henderson, the first Black and third person of color induct- ed into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, has led the Fort Dupont Cannons Ice Hockey Club since 1978. Townshend, the first Jamaican-born player in the NHL, oper- ates the Townshend Hockey School, where Abercrombie serves as a senior instructor, working with NCAA and NHL prospects. Abercrombie's dedication to hockey and community involvement has not gone unnoticed. He's been nominated by the Washington Capitals for the 2024 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his work as an inaugural member of the Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and as a co-cre- ator/lead instructor with the Rising Stars Academy, a free program providing elite skill development and mentorship for local hockey players of color. Abercrombie spent the 2022-23 sea- son with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs organization as a member of the coaching staff for the Toronto Marlies (AHL) and the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL). As part of his responsibilities, Abercrombie worked closely with the video coaches to create and present detailed pre-scout and player analy- sis packages to individuals and the team. On the ice, he assisted in each player's develop- ment process, helped with the preparation and execution of practice, and led healthy scratches' game day preparation. P COLLEGE HOCKEY p FARGO FORCE CAPPED OFF THEIR HISTORIC SEASON by winning the 2024 Clark Cup as the USHL playoff champions. Fargo, which established a USHL record for wins with a 50-10-2 regular-season record, defeated Dubuque 3-1 in the final game of the best-of-five series. Mac Swanson led all playoff scorers in goals (5), assists (12) and points (17) and was named USHL Clark Cup Playoff Most Valuable Player. JUNIOR HOCKEY CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! p THE LONE STAR BRAHMAS won the 2024 North American Hockey League's Robertson Cup by defeating the Maryland Black Bears 4-2 in the national championship game. Lone Star was dominant in the postseason, winning their final six games in a row and winning nine of 11 games overall. The Brahmas won the regular season title in the NAHL with a 44-10-3-3 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record. Brahmas forward Jacob MacDonald was named the MVP of the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament after scoring four goals and picking up eight assists in the postseason. A FOR CE TO BE RECKONED WITH B R A H M A S H I T B U L L S E Y E The Fargo Force win the Clark Cup. The Lone Star Brahmas win the Robertson Cup.