Austin Peay announced the formation of an ice hockey club team that will compete in the Club Hockey South Association on Wednesday at F & M Bank Arena. Cooper Smith will be the first President with Kane Eastwood coaching. (Photo: Jennifer Lindahl| The All State)

Austin Peay State University in partnership with the Nashville Predators and Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment, LLC (SS&E) announced the formation of an ice hockey club on Wednesday at F & M Bank Arena. The club will compete against other schools in the Club Hockey South Association. 

“The announcement highlights our continued strong partnership between SS&E and APSU, reflecting the dedication to continuing the growth of hockey in Middle Tennessee and expanding opportunities for students at Austin Peay,” F&M Bank General Manager Kylie Wilkerson said. “We are so excited to see the Govs take the ice at Ford Ice Center Clarksville and F&M Bank Arena.” 

Dr. Lenoard Clemons, vice president of student affairs, partnered with Intramural Sports and Sports Club Coordinator, Anja Shelton to launch the team. Cooper Smith, a first-year student and Clarksville native, will be the club’s president.

“Clarksville is my roots, I grew up playing hockey. With the new Ford Ice Center, this was just something that had to be,” said Cooper. “I’m so proud of our town and the Predators for encouraging and joining us for this.”

Kane Eastwood will coach the new hockey club. Eastwood has over 25 years of hockey experience and is a former Georgia State University hockey player.

APSU President Mike Licari is especially excited for this team as hockey is deep in his Minnesotan roots. 

“We’re super excited to launch club hockey here at Austin Peay,” said Licari. “Bringing a little bit of my home state sport here to Tennessee and to Austin Peay is fantastic.”

Govs Hockey Club currently has around 21 members and is open to everyone of all skill levels. If you’re interested in learning more about Govs Hockey Club, or joining, visit their page on PeayLink.