Does Atlanta Have an NHL Team? What Hockey Fans Should Know

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering, “Does Atlanta have an NHL team?” the short answer is no — not right now.

Atlanta does not currently have a National Hockey League (NHL) team, but the city has a long, interesting history with pro hockey and a very active local hockey scene.

This guide explains:

• Atlanta’s past NHL teams and what happened to them
• Whether the NHL might return to Atlanta
• Where you can watch NHL games in Atlanta
• How to play or watch live hockey locally, even without an NHL franchise

Does Atlanta Have an NHL Team Right Now?

No. As of today, Atlanta does not have an active NHL franchise.

The city has had two NHL teams in the past:

1. Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)
2. Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

Both teams eventually relocated to Canadian cities. That’s why you won’t find an NHL team currently based at State Farm Arena or any other Atlanta venue.

A Quick Look at Atlanta’s NHL History

The Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)

Atlanta first joined the NHL in the early 1970s with the Atlanta Flames.

• Home arena: The Omni Coliseum (downtown Atlanta, where State Farm Arena stands today)
• Notable point: Brought top-level professional hockey to the Southeast well before it was common

After several seasons, the team was sold and relocated to Calgary, becoming the Calgary Flames. Many long-time Atlanta residents still remember the Flames era and original jerseys.

The Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

Atlanta got a second chance at NHL hockey in 1999 with the Atlanta Thrashers.

• Home arena: Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303)
• Fan base: Built a loyal following, especially among families and transplants from traditional hockey markets

In 2011, the team was sold and relocated to Winnipeg, where it became the Winnipeg Jets.

Since that move, Atlanta has been without an NHL team.

Is the NHL Coming Back to Atlanta?

Hockey fans in Atlanta often ask whether the NHL will return. The answer is:

• There is ongoing interest and frequent discussion about bringing a team back.
• Atlanta is often mentioned as a potential expansion or relocation market because of its size, location, and corporate presence.
• However, as of now, there is no official NHL franchise awarded to Atlanta and no confirmed timeline.

If you live in the metro area and want to keep track:

• Watch for updates from the NHL and from local arena/ownership groups.
• Follow news about arena projects or ownership bids tied specifically to NHL expansion or relocation.

For now, NHL to Atlanta remains a possibility, not a guarantee.

How to Watch NHL Games in Atlanta

Even without a hometown team, NHL fans in Atlanta have several ways to follow the league.

1. Watch NHL Games on TV or Streaming

Most local fans in Atlanta watch NHL games through:

• National broadcasts on major sports networks
• League-wide streaming services that offer out-of-market games
• Cable or satellite packages that include hockey coverage

If you’re new to the city:

• Check what sports channels your local cable or internet provider includes.
• Ask about packages that carry NHL content, especially during the regular season and playoffs.

2. Sports Bars and Restaurants That Show Hockey

Around Atlanta, many sports bars and restaurants will put NHL games on, especially during the playoffs or big matchups. Experiences vary by neighborhood, but common patterns include:

• Downtown / Centennial Park area: Places catering to event and arena crowds often show national games, especially when other major sports aren’t on.
• Midtown & Buckhead: Bars in these areas sometimes attract fans from hockey markets (transplants from the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada), making it easier to find a game on TV.
• Suburbs (e.g., Alpharetta, Duluth, Marietta): Venues closer to local rinks are often more familiar with NHL schedules and may show more regular-season games.

If you’re planning to watch a specific game, it helps to call ahead and ask if they can put it on a screen.

Live Hockey in Atlanta: What You Can Still See and Do

No NHL team doesn’t mean no hockey. Atlanta actually has an active amateur and semi-pro hockey community, with several options to watch games or get on the ice yourself.

Atlanta’s Main Ice Rinks

Here are some widely used rinks in the metro area:

*Names and operators can change over time, but these locations are well-known local hubs for ice sports.

These rinks frequently host:

• Youth hockey leagues and tournaments
• Adult recreational leagues
• High school or club hockey
• Skating lessons and open skate sessions

Checking each rink’s website or front desk is the easiest way to confirm schedules and public sessions.

College and Club Hockey

Atlanta also has college-level club hockey and regional teams that can be fun and affordable to watch. While these teams are not NCAA Division I, they often play competitive, fast-paced games at local rinks around the metro area.

Common features:

• Lower ticket prices than major pro sports
• Family-friendly environment
• Frequent games on weekends during the season

If you’re interested, search for:

• “Atlanta college club hockey”
• “Georgia college hockey teams near Atlanta”

Then check the teams’ schedules for games hosted at metro-area rinks.

Want to Play Hockey in Atlanta?

If you’re more interested in playing than just watching, Atlanta offers multiple ways to get involved, whether you’re a beginner or experienced player.

Youth Hockey Options

Parents in the Atlanta area can typically find:

• Learn-to-skate and learn-to-play hockey programs at major rinks
• House and travel leagues for different age groups (from beginners to advanced players)
• Seasonal clinics and camps, especially in summer or school breaks

To get started, contact nearby rinks (such as IceForum in Duluth or The Cooler in Alpharetta) and ask about:

• Age-specific intro programs
• Required equipment
• Registration timelines

Adult Hockey Leagues

Adult residents in Atlanta often join recreational or competitive leagues that play late evenings or weekends. These leagues typically offer:

• Multiple skill levels, from beginner to advanced
• Season schedules with regular games and playoffs
• A social, community-like environment

Look for:

• “Adult hockey league Atlanta”
• “Beginner hockey league near [your suburb or area]”

Rink staff are usually used to new players calling in and can walk you through how to sign up.

Public Skating and Learn-to-Skate

If you’re brand new to the ice:

• Start with public skating sessions, offered at most major rinks.
• Consider a learn-to-skate class, which teaches balance, stopping, and turning before you move into hockey.

This is a practical way for Atlanta residents to see whether they enjoy ice sports before investing in full hockey gear.

How the Lack of an NHL Team Affects Local Fans

Living in a big sports city like Atlanta—home to the **Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and Dream—**many residents still feel the absence of an NHL team. Some common local experiences include:

• Adopting another city’s NHL team based on hometown roots or favorite players
• Traveling occasionally to nearby markets that do have NHL teams (such as Nashville or Raleigh) for live games
• Building hockey culture more at the grassroots level, through youth programs, adult leagues, and watch parties

For many hockey fans in Atlanta, the hope remains that a future expansion or relocation could bring NHL hockey back to the city, but daily life as a fan is built around TV/streaming, local rinks, and community leagues.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Does Atlanta have an NHL team?
  No, not currently. The city’s last team, the Atlanta Thrashers, relocated in 2011.

• Has Atlanta ever had NHL teams?
  Yes: the Atlanta Flames (1970s) and Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011).

• Is the NHL coming back to Atlanta?
  Atlanta is often mentioned as a potential market, but there is no confirmed team or official timeline.

• Can you still enjoy hockey in Atlanta?
  Absolutely. You can:

  • Watch NHL games on TV or streaming
  • Catch games at local sports bars
  • Watch youth, adult, and college club hockey at metro-area rinks
  • Join learn-to-skate, youth leagues, or adult leagues around the city

Even without an NHL franchise today, Atlanta’s hockey community is active and growing, giving residents and visitors plenty of ways to stay connected to the sport.