Local Fans React to Thrashers' Move

On Tuesday, representatives from Atlanta Spirit announced they had sold the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment, who will move the team to Winnipeg, Canada.

While some locals may be unaware that Atlanta had a hockey team in the first place, the Thrashers have accumulated a significant fan base in the metro area, including Kennesaw.

Some local fans spoke out against the Atlanta Spirit organization and discussed the effect the move will have on youth and college hockey in the area, while others said they were simply going to miss the games.

Former Atlanta youth hockey player Ryan Howe, who said he's attended over 100 Thrasher games, was eager to share his displeasure with the ownership.

"I blame the Atlanta Spirit for the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers. They did a terrible job of marketing the team. On top of that, they should have done away with the club seats to make the better seats more affordable for fans," he said. "Unfortunately, we will probably never see a professional hockey team in Atlanta again. Thanks, Atlanta Spirit for your lackluster effort."

Dylan Morrison, captain of the hockey team and a Canada native, had a different viewpoint.

"Canadian hockey is totally energized with the relocation of the Thrashers to Winnipeg and the Canucks' run for the cup," said Morrison. "Atlanta has so many fans of other NHL hockey teams that they couldn't rally behind their own, which is unfortunate as the Thrashers organization is first class."

Casual hockey fan Holly Whire was disappointed in a different way.

“I’ll miss drinking Fosters Oil Cans while fantasizing about dating a professional hockey player,” she said.

KSU hockey general manager Bill Morrison discussed youth hockey, as well as local collegiate hockey, and what kind of influence the relocation will have on the sport, noting that the biggest impact will be on the minor league hockey programs in Atlanta.

"There has been a substantial increase in youth hockey between the ages of 7 to 11. KSU hockey has been running youth hockey shooter camps for the past two years and noted the increase in this age group," said Morrison.

“I believe teams like the Gladiators and American Collegiate Hockey Association programs (KSU,UGA, GT and LIFE) should pick up the puck and continue to assist or promote youth hockey in the Atlanta area," he said.

Morrison said he spoke with Thrashers President Don Wadell three weeks ago and that "it was quite clear he had a passion for making the Thrashers a successful, marketable pro team in Atlanta." But ultimately, Morrison said the management and ownership structure "limited any possible success he (Wadell) might have been able to achieve through high-priced talent."

“In the end KSU hockey will continue to grow its student market and increase its visibility into youth hockey," said Morrison. “We will miss the Thrashers...and professional hockey.”