Success in team sports isn’t just about skill—it’s about trust, selflessness, and commitment. Duante Abercrombie embraces this, making vulnerability and authenticity the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
Raised in Washington, D.C., Abercrombie discovered hockey through his mother, Devara, who encouraged him to explore various activities. A Learn to Skate session ignited his passion, leading him to Neal Henderson’s renowned Fort Dupont Cannons program, the oldest minority-run hockey team in North America. There, he found a brotherhood that shaped his view of hockey as a unifying force.
In 2016, Abercrombie transitioned to coaching, starting at Georgetown Prep before leading the Washington Little Caps 16U AAA team. By 2019, he joined Stevenson University’s NCAA Division III coaching staff as one of just four Black coaches in NCAA men’s hockey. In 2021-22, he helped lead the Mustangs to a historic 18-win season, including a nine-game winning streak.
His success caught the eye of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who hired him as a Development Coach in 2022. Working with the Toronto Marlies (AHL) and Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL), he analyzed game footage, prepared scouting reports, and assisted in player development. His growing reputation also led to collaborations with multiple NHL teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, and Arizona Coyotes, through BIPOC initiatives.
Abercrombie’s coaching philosophy emphasizes genuine connections. Inspired by his mentor Neal Henderson, he rejects fear-based coaching in favor of trust and joy. One of his most effective team-building exercises, inspired by his wife Melanie, involves players anonymously sharing personal challenges, reinforcing their humanity beyond hockey.
Beyond the rink, Abercrombie’s mentorship earned him a 2024 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award nomination. As a co-creator of the Rising Stars Academy and a member of the Washington Capitals’ Black Hockey Committee, he has championed diversity and development in the sport.
On April 16, 2024, Tennessee State University named Abercrombie Head Coach of its men’s hockey team, making him the first head coach of an HBCU hockey program and the first Black male to lead an NCAA Division I team. His historic hire marks a transformative moment for hockey.
To learn more about Abercrombie’s leadership, check out his episode on the Glass and Out Podcast:
This June, Duante Abercrombie takes the stage at TCS Live to share his inspiring insights on leadership, connection, and the future of hockey.
Purchase your TCS Live tickets to see Abercrombie and the other TCS presenters up close and in person!
