ATLANTA — Now that the Atlanta Thrashers are headed for Winnipeg, does that mean fans won’t be able to enjoy a little hockey action close to home?
No, not at all.
There are still three hockey teams playing in the state of Georgia.
The closest team, the Gwinnett Gladiators, have been staples of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) since 2003. They were previously affiliated with the Atlanta Thrashers, but are, as of now, looking for a new major league affiliation, according to The Associated Press.
“We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere,” The Associated Press quoted Gladiators President Steve Chapman as saying.
For anyone looking to take a little road trip, there are two additional hockey teams that call the Peach State home.
The Augusta Riverhawks began playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2010. The Columbus Cottonmouths (aka the “Snakes”) have been playing in the league since 1996.
Of course, for anyone in Atlanta still looking for some NHL action, the Carolina Hurricanes are the closest option.
