Hockey in Atlanta: What Teams You Can Actually Watch and Play

Atlanta’s relationship with hockey is unique. If you’re wondering “Does Atlanta have a hockey team?” the answer depends on what kind of hockey you mean.

• No, Atlanta does not currently have an NHL team.
• Yes, Atlanta does have professional and semi-pro hockey, plus strong college, youth, and recreational options.

Here’s how hockey works in Atlanta right now, and where you can watch or play.

Does Atlanta Have an NHL Team?

Atlanta does not currently have a National Hockey League (NHL) team.

Historically, Atlanta has had two NHL franchises:

• Atlanta Flames – Played in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980, then moved to Calgary.
• Atlanta Thrashers – Played from 1999 to 2011, then relocated to Winnipeg.

Today, if you live in or visit Atlanta and want to see NHL hockey in person, you’ll need to travel to another city. Many local fans follow teams like the Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, or others as their “home” NHL team.

That said, hockey in Atlanta is far from dead.

What Professional Hockey Teams Does Atlanta Have Now?

While the NHL is gone, Atlanta does have professional and semi-professional hockey at other levels.

Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL)

The Atlanta Gladiators are the most prominent current team. They play in the ECHL, a mid-level professional league that often feeds into the AHL and NHL.

• Level: Professional (ECHL)
• Home Arena: Gas South Arena
  6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
  Duluth, GA 30097
• Typical Season: October through April (with possible playoffs)

What to expect:

• Fast-paced, physical hockey at a more affordable price point than NHL games.
• Family-friendly game experience with promotions, theme nights, and local fan traditions.
• Easier ticket access and parking than many big-league venues.

If you’re in Atlanta and want to watch live pro hockey, the Gladiators are the main option.

Other Organized Hockey in and Around Atlanta

Hockey in Atlanta isn’t just about the pros. If you’re interested in playing or supporting local programs, there are several options.

College and Club Hockey

Atlanta has college and club-level teams that compete against regional and national opponents, usually in non-NCAA club leagues.

Common Atlanta-area programs include:

• Georgia Tech (Atlanta) – Club ice hockey team playing in regional collegiate club leagues.
• Georgia State University (Atlanta) – Has fielded club hockey teams that compete in club divisions.
• Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw) – Often participates in club hockey at competitive levels.

These college teams typically play at area rinks rather than on campus. Schedules and venues can change, so checking each school’s athletics or club sports page is useful before planning to attend a game.

Junior and Youth Hockey

If you’re looking for youth hockey in Atlanta, options range from learn-to-skate to travel teams.

Common types of youth programs:

• Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play Hockey – For kids new to the ice, focusing on basics and safety.
• House / Recreational Leagues – Local leagues with a range of skill levels.
• Travel / Tier Teams – More competitive programs that travel across the Southeast and sometimes nationally.

Many youth and amateur programs in metro Atlanta operate out of rinks such as:

• The Cooler – 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• Center Ice Arena – 5750 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
• Atlanta IceForum – 2300 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097
• Ice Rink @ Sugar Hill (seasonal/municipal) – Often operates as a community rink during winter months in Sugar Hill, GA

Programs and names can shift over time, but most rinks maintain up-to-date lists of youth leagues and camps.

Adult Leagues and Recreational Hockey in Atlanta

If you’re an adult who wants to play hockey in Atlanta, there are multiple recreational options.

Adult Hockey Leagues

Several rinks host adult leagues (often called “beer leagues”) with different skill levels:

• Beginner divisions for new skaters or people who started hockey later in life.
• Intermediate and advanced divisions for former youth, college, or competitive players.
• Co-ed, women’s, and men’s teams depending on the league.

Typical features:

• Games once or twice a week in the evenings.
• Seasons lasting several months.
• Team and individual sign-up options.

You’ll commonly find leagues based at:

• The Cooler (Alpharetta)
• Center Ice Arena (Sandy Springs)
• Atlanta IceForum (Duluth)
• Other seasonal or smaller rinks around the metro area

Drop-In Hockey and Stick-and-Puck

If you’re not ready to commit to a league, rinks in the Atlanta area often offer:

• Drop-in or pick-up hockey – Informal games where players just show up, pay a session fee, and skate.
• Stick-and-puck sessions – Open ice time for individual practice, shooting, and stickhandling.

These are useful if you’re:

• Just moving to Atlanta and want to meet local players.
• Getting back into hockey after a long break.
• Building skills before joining a full league.

Schedules are usually posted by each rink and can change day to day, so checking ahead is important.

Where Can You Skate or Learn Hockey in Atlanta?

Here’s a quick overview of common ice facilities that support hockey in or near Atlanta:

*Actual programs vary; check each facility’s current schedule for details.

If you’re in downtown or Midtown Atlanta, most ice rinks will be a drive away—in places like Alpharetta, Duluth, or Sandy Springs—so planning for travel time is helpful.

How to Get Involved with Hockey in Atlanta

Whether you’re a fan or a future player, Atlanta offers several ways to connect with the sport.

If You Want to Watch Games

• Check Atlanta Gladiators home dates at Gas South Arena in Duluth.
• Look up college club schedules (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State) for local matchups.
• Some rinks host tournaments or showcase games featuring travel teams or regional programs.

For NHL action:

• Most fans in Atlanta watch via television or streaming services.
• Some sports bars and restaurants in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and the Battery Atlanta regularly show major NHL games, especially during the playoffs.

If You Want to Learn to Skate or Play

If you’ve never skated before:

• Start with a learn-to-skate class at a local rink. These are usually open to children and adults.
• Once you’re comfortable on skates, transition into learn-to-play hockey programs that provide basic gear and instruction.

If you already play and just moved to Atlanta:

• Contact rinks directly and ask about adult league placement or free agents (individual players placed on existing teams).
• Visit drop-in sessions at The Cooler, Center Ice Arena, or Atlanta IceForum to meet players and find a team that matches your level.

Key Takeaways for Hockey Fans in Atlanta

• No NHL team currently plays in Atlanta, though the city has hosted two NHL franchises in the past (Flames and Thrashers).
• Atlanta does have professional hockey via the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) in Duluth.
• Multiple college, youth, and adult hockey programs operate across the metro area.
• Most hockey activity is centered around suburban ice rinks in places like Duluth, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs.
• Whether you want to watch, learn, or play, there are accessible options within a reasonable drive of downtown Atlanta.

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and love hockey, you won’t find an NHL arena here right now—but you will find a committed hockey community, plenty of rinks, and a professional team you can support up close.