If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and wondering “Is there a hockey team in Atlanta?”, the short answer is:
Atlanta does not currently have an NHL team, but it does have active professional minor-league hockey and a strong local hockey scene.
Below is a clear breakdown of what that means in practice—who plays here, where they play, and how you can watch or get involved.
No. Atlanta does not currently have a National Hockey League (NHL) team.
Historically, Atlanta has had two NHL franchises:
Today, if you’re looking specifically for NHL hockey, you’ll need to follow teams on TV or travel to another city. However, that doesn’t mean Atlanta is a hockey desert—far from it.
The Atlanta Gladiators are the primary professional hockey presence in the metro area. They play in the ECHL, a well-known minor professional league that often serves as a development path for players aiming for the AHL or NHL.
While the Gladiators are not an NHL team, they offer fast, physical, and competitive professional hockey at a more affordable and family-friendly level.
Why locals like Gladiators games:
| Type of Team / Activity | Is It in Atlanta? | Where It’s Based / Centered |
|---|---|---|
| NHL team | ❌ No | Nearest NHL teams are in other states |
| ECHL pro team | ✅ Yes | Atlanta Gladiators – Gas South Arena, Duluth |
| College club hockey | ✅ Yes | Georgia Tech, University of Georgia (nearby) |
| Youth & adult recreational hockey | ✅ Yes | Community ice rinks around metro Atlanta |
| Public skating & learn-to-skate | ✅ Yes | Multiple rinks in city and suburbs |
Even without an NHL club, you have several ways to watch live hockey.
As mentioned, the Gladiators are the most visible pro option. If you’re in or near Gwinnett County, Gas South Arena is straightforward to reach from I‑85 and serves much of the northeast metro area.
Tips for attending a game:
While Atlanta doesn’t have NCAA Division I ice hockey, you can still catch college club-level games in and near the city. These games are usually lower cost, more casual, and can be a fun way to see competitive hockey up close.
Two of the most notable programs in the region include:
Schedules, venues, and ticket information can change, so it’s best to check each program’s current season details before heading out.
Yes. Atlanta has a growing youth and adult hockey community, supported by several ice rinks across the metro area.
If you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to hockey, the general path often looks like:
Learn to Skate Programs
Most rinks offer basic skating classes for children as young as 3–5. Skills focus on balance, stopping, and turning.
Learn to Play Hockey
After basic skating, kids can join beginner hockey programs that introduce sticks, pucks, and basic positioning.
House Leagues and Travel Teams
As kids progress, they can join local in-house leagues or more competitive travel teams that play across the Southeast.
Common features of youth programs include:
Adults in Atlanta have options ranging from beginner-friendly leagues to advanced recreational play:
These are typically managed by local rinks, which set league schedules, fees, and rules.
While specific programming can change, these are some of the core ice facilities that support hockey in and around Atlanta. They are well-established and commonly used for youth, adult, and sometimes college or special-event games.
In addition to the rinks above, nearby facilities in the greater metro and surrounding areas may offer:
Since facility schedules can shift, it’s wise to call ahead or check current programming before visiting.
If you’re new to the sport—whether you want to play or you have a child who’s interested—Atlanta’s setup makes it fairly straightforward to ease in.
Start with public skating
Get comfortable just being on the ice. Most rinks have open skate times throughout the week.
Join a “Learn to Play” or adult beginner clinic
These programs focus on basics like forward and backward skating, crossovers, and simple puck handling.
Move into an adult league
Once you can skate comfortably and understand the rules, you can enter a novice-level league. Skill-based divisions help match you with players at a similar level.
Sign up for Learn to Skate
This gives your child fundamental skills and helps them gain confidence on the ice.
Transition to youth hockey programs
Ask the rink’s front desk or program director about their intro to hockey or development classes.
Consider house league or travel
As your child advances, they may want a regular team experience. House leagues are more local and lower-commitment; travel hockey involves more games and regional trips.
If playing isn’t your goal and you simply want to enjoy the sport as a fan, here are your main options:
If you’re in Atlanta and love hockey, you won’t find an NHL team in town right now—but you will find plenty of ice, plenty of players, and a community that keeps the sport very much alive.
