Atlanta Hockey: Where to Watch, Play, and Get Involved in the ATL

Atlanta might be known first for football, baseball, and hip‑hop, but hockey in Atlanta is very much alive—and growing. Whether you’re looking to watch games, join a league, or get your kids on the ice, there are more options around metro Atlanta than many people realize.

This guide walks you through how hockey works in Atlanta today: pro and college teams, rinks, youth and adult leagues, gear, and what to expect if you’re brand‑new to the sport.

The State of Hockey in Atlanta Today

Atlanta has had two former NHL teams—the Flames and the Thrashers—but there is currently no NHL team based in the city. That doesn’t mean there’s no hockey scene. Instead, hockey has shifted toward:

• Minor and junior-level teams
• College club programs
• Adult recreational leagues
• Youth travel and house programs
• High school leagues

For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, “hockey” usually means going to minor league games or playing at one of the city’s ice rinks.

Where to Watch Hockey in Atlanta

You won’t find NHL games here right now, but you can still watch high-level live hockey in and around the city.

Professional & Junior Hockey Near Atlanta

While team names and affiliations can change over time, Atlanta-area fans generally look to:

• ECHL and SPHL teams in the broader region
  Many Atlanta residents make day trips or weekend trips to nearby minor-pro cities in the Southeast to watch AA-level hockey. These leagues often feature fast-paced games at a more affordable price point than top-level pro sports.

• Junior / developmental teams in metro Atlanta
  Various junior-level and elite youth programs play competitive schedules at local rinks, including Travel (AA/AAA) and Junior-style showcases. These games are usually free or low cost and a good way to see serious hockey up close.

Because team names, leagues, and home arenas can change, it’s best to:

• Check local rink calendars (especially The Cooler, IceForum, and Atlanta Ice House)
• Look for current “Atlanta hockey” or “minor league hockey near Atlanta” schedules before you go

College Hockey in Atlanta

Atlanta has club-level college hockey rather than full NCAA Division I or II programs, but the level of play is often high:

• Georgia Tech Club Hockey – Based in Atlanta, plays games primarily at local rinks (commonly around Duluth or Alpharetta)
• Kennesaw State University Club Hockey – Another popular metro-area club program

These teams typically play in ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) style leagues. Games are usually:

• Open to the public
• Affordable or free
• A fun way to see competitive hockey while supporting local schools

Ice Rinks in Atlanta: Where the Hockey Happens

If you’re looking to play hockey in Atlanta, the starting point is choosing a rink. Here are some of the main ice rinks in metro Atlanta that commonly host hockey programs:

Major Hockey Rinks in Metro Atlanta

These facilities often serve as the hub for hockey communities in different parts of metro Atlanta. Where you live—ITP vs. OTP, North vs. West vs. East—will usually determine which rink is most convenient.

How to Get Started Playing Hockey in Atlanta

Whether you’re an adult beginner or a parent of a sports‑curious kid, there is a fairly clear path to getting started.

Step 1: Decide Your Level (or Your Child’s)

Ask a few basic questions:

• Are you brand-new to skating and hockey?
• Do you (or your child) already know how to skate?
• Are you looking for recreational / social play or competitive / travel?

In Atlanta, programs are usually organized into:

• Learn-to-skate (LTS) – General skating skills, not hockey-specific
• Learn-to-play hockey – Introduces hockey basics once basic skating is in place
• House / recreational leagues – Local teams, lower travel commitment
• Travel / select teams – Higher level, more practices, out-of-town games
• Adult leagues and pickup – Various skill levels for grownups

Step 2: Learn to Skate First

Almost every rink in Atlanta runs structured Learn-to-Skate classes. These give you:

• Balance, stopping, and turning skills
• Confidence to fall and get up safely
• The base you need before skating in hockey gear

Classes are typically:

• Weekly sessions, grouped by age
• Offered multiple times per year
• Required before some “learn-to-play” programs

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to play hockey, tell the rink staff so they can point you toward hockey-focused skating classes when available.

Step 3: Join a Learn-to-Play or Intro Hockey Program

Once basic skating is in place, look for Learn-to-Play Hockey programs at rinks like The Cooler, IceForum, Center Ice, or Atlanta Ice House.

These typically cover:

• Skating with a stick and puck
• Basic shooting and passing
• Simple positioning and small-area games
• How to wear and care for gear

Many Atlanta-area youth programs coordinate with USA Hockey–style development models, focused on fun, repetition, and age-appropriate drills.

Youth Hockey in Atlanta

Youth hockey in Atlanta is well-structured and has grown significantly over the years. Most options fall into a few categories.

House / Recreational Youth Hockey

House leagues are a good fit if you want:

• Shorter local travel (mostly within your home rink or metro area)
• Lower time and cost commitment than travel hockey
• Emphasis on skill-building and fun

Ages usually start around 5–6 years old and go up through high school. Teams are typically grouped by birth year or wide age bands such as:

• 8U (Mites)
• 10U (Squirts)
• 12U (Peewee)
• 14U (Bantam)
• 16U/18U (Midget/High School)

Travel and Competitive Youth Hockey

For families seeking more serious competition, metro Atlanta offers travel hockey that plays throughout the Southeast and sometimes beyond. Expect:

• More practices per week
• Weekend travel for away games and tournaments
• Tryouts each season and more selective rosters

Travel programs are commonly based out of:

• Alpharetta / Duluth rinks (Northside)
• Marietta / Kennesaw area (Northwest)
• Sandy Springs / ITP rinks

Parents often coordinate carpools from different parts of the city, especially for early morning or late evening practices.

High School & Prep-Level Hockey

Several Atlanta-area high school programs participate in organized leagues that may combine players from multiple schools. Because hockey is less common than other sports here, teams sometimes pull from one or more public or private schools to field a roster.

If your teen is interested:

• Check with your local rink’s hockey director about existing high school teams
• Ask your school’s athletic department if they’re associated with a club or composite team

Adult Hockey in Atlanta

Adult hockey is one of the most active parts of the Atlanta hockey community.

Adult Leagues (Beer Leagues)

Most major rinks host adult recreational leagues with multiple skill levels, often labeled something like:

• A / B / C / D divisions
• Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
• Over-30 or over-40 leagues

Typical features:

• One or two games per week, mostly evenings
• Team jerseys or matching colors required
• USA Hockey-style rules and officiating

You can:

• Join an existing team if you know someone already playing
• Sign up as a “free agent” through the rink and be placed on a team
• Sometimes join beginner-specific leagues for new adult players

Pickup Hockey and Stick-and-Puck

If you’re just testing the waters or want extra ice time:

• Pickup hockey (also called “drop-in”)
  Informal scrimmages where players of varying skill levels show up and split into teams.

• Stick-and-puck sessions
  Open ice time where you can skate, shoot, and work on skills without a structured game.

These options are common at:

• Atlanta Ice House (Marietta)
• Center Ice (Sandy Springs)
• The Cooler (Alpharetta) and IceForum (Duluth)

Rinks generally post schedules at the arena or on their digital calendars. Many require:

• Full gear for pickup
• At minimum, helmet, gloves, and stick for stick-and-puck (rules vary by rink)

Gear and Equipment: What You Need in Atlanta

You can’t play hockey without the right equipment, and in Atlanta, you have a few main options for outfitting yourself or your child.

Basic Hockey Gear Checklist

For most youth and adult players, full gear includes:

• Helmet with full cage or visor
• Mouthguard (often required for youth)
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Hockey pants (breezers)
• Shin guards
• Hockey socks & jersey
• Skates
• Hockey stick
• Protective cup / pelvic protector
• Neck guard (sometimes recommended or required for younger players)

Many beginners in Atlanta start with starter packages or buy used gear to manage costs.

Where to Buy Hockey Gear in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta does not have as many hockey-specific shops as some northern cities, but there are typically:

• Pro shops inside the rinks
  Most major arenas (The Cooler, IceForum, etc.) have a rink pro shop selling skates, sticks, tape, mouthguards, and basic protective equipment. They often:

  • Offer skate sharpening
  • Can order special sizes or brands
  • Understand local league requirements

• General sporting goods stores
  Large sporting goods chains around Atlanta may carry beginner and intermediate-level hockey gear, especially skates, sticks, and protective sets.

If you’re new, asking rink staff or coaches for guidance can help you avoid buying the wrong type or size of equipment.

Costs and Time Commitment: What Atlanta Families Should Expect

Costs vary widely by level, but common patterns in Atlanta include:

• Learn-to-skate / Learn-to-play:
  Typically the most affordable entry point; often 1 session per week.

• House / recreational youth leagues:
  Seasonal fees plus equipment, with travel mostly within the metro area.

• Travel hockey:
  Higher fees, more ice time, hotel and travel costs, and equipment upgrades as your child grows or advances.

• Adult leagues:
  Team fees usually shared among players; costs depend on league length and number of games.

The time commitment also scales:

• Beginner youth: 1–2 days per week
• Travel youth or dedicated adults: 3–4+ days per week in busy stretches

Because Atlanta is a driving city, consider:

• Commute time to rinks (especially rush-hour traffic)
• Late evening or early morning ice slots, which are common

Accessibility, Safety, and Climate Considerations

Even in a warm-weather city like Atlanta, rinks keep the ice and building cold enough for hockey, so:

• Dress in layers if you’re a spectator
• Younger kids on the bench should have base layers under their gear

For safety, local programs typically follow:

• USA Hockey-style age and checking rules
• Required protective gear for games and many practices
• Instruction emphasizing safe body contact, awareness, and respect

Parents often appreciate that hockey provides:

• Strong cardio and coordination
• A clear team structure and discipline
• A close-knit, supportive community, even in a non-traditional market like Atlanta

How to Find the Right Program for You in Atlanta

To narrow down your options:

1. Start with your nearest rink.
   Check programs at places like:

   • The Cooler in Alpharetta (North Fulton)
   • Atlanta IceForum in Duluth (Gwinnett)
   • Atlanta Ice House in Marietta (Cobb)
   • Center Ice Arena in Sandy Springs (ITP/North)

2. Call or visit the front desk.
   Ask about:

   • Learn-to-skate dates
   • Learn-to-play hockey options
   • Youth house or travel openings
   • Adult league and pickup schedules

3. Ask about skill level placement.
   Atlanta programs are used to handling:

   • Kids switching from other sports
   • Adults starting for the first time
   • Players returning after years off the ice

4. Watch a practice or game.
   Seeing a live session at your local rink is often the fastest way to figure out if a program fits your expectations.

If you live in or around Atlanta and are interested in hockey, you don’t need an NHL team to get involved. Between active local rinks, youth and adult leagues, college clubs, and regional minor-pro teams, there is a clear path to watch, play, or support hockey right here in the ATL.