Expanding The NHL: 1999
2018-11-01
Hockey in Atlanta sadly never truly caught on. The city’s first foray into the NHL began in 1972 with the establishment of the Atlanta Flames. Despite making the playoff in six of their eight seasons; there was little hockey fanfare in Georgia. By 1979-80 the Flames averaged less than 10,000 fans a game at the Omni Coliseum. This would result in their relocation to the more hockey-hungry Calgary. In 1999, a second attempt would be made with very mixed success. Atlanta Thrashers Due to a four-team expansion; Atlanta was awarded another NHL franchise on June 25, 1997. As a result, the name ‘Thrashers’ (the official state birdRead More →