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Atlanta Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers were a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, that played from 1999 to 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Atlanta Thrashers were a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, that played from 1999 to 2011. The team was named for Georgia's state bird, the brown thrasher, and relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, where it became the Winnipeg Jets. They were Atlanta's second NHL franchise, after the Atlanta Flames.

Franchise history

The NHL awarded Atlanta a new franchise in 1997, and the Thrashers began play in 1999 as an expansion team. They were the city's second NHL club after the Atlanta Flames.

Team identity

The name 'Thrashers' was chosen to honour Georgia's state bird, the brown thrasher. The nickname reflected a local connection rather than an existing hockey tradition.

Performance and playoffs

The team had limited on-ice success and reached the playoffs only once, during the 2006–07 season. They won the Southeast Division that year but were eliminated in the first round.

Relocation to Winnipeg

After years of financial losses, the franchise was sold in 2011 to True North Sports and Entertainment and moved to Winnipeg. The move revived the Winnipeg Jets name for the new NHL club. The Thrashers' relocation to Winnipeg restored an NHL franchise to Manitoba and created the modern Winnipeg Jets.

Key facts

  • The Thrashers were Atlanta's second NHL franchise, after the Atlanta Flames.
  • The franchise was awarded by the NHL in 1997 and began play in the 1999–2000 season.
  • The team made the Stanley Cup playoffs once, in 2006–07.
  • In 2011, the franchise was sold to True North Sports and Entertainment and relocated to Winnipeg.
  • The team name came from Georgia's state bird, the brown thrasher.
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Canadian context

The Thrashers’ relocation to Winnipeg in 2011 restored an NHL franchise to Manitoba and created the modern Winnipeg Jets.

Frequently asked questions

What were the Atlanta Thrashers?
They were an NHL ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that played from 1999 to 2011.
Why were they called the Thrashers?
The name came from Georgia's state bird, the brown thrasher.
Did the Thrashers ever win a Stanley Cup?
No. The franchise never won a Stanley Cup and made the playoffs only once.
When did the team move to Winnipeg?
The franchise was sold and relocated in 2011, becoming the Winnipeg Jets.
What arena did they play in?
They played their home games at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta.
Were they Atlanta's first NHL team?
No. They were Atlanta's second NHL franchise, following the Atlanta Flames.

References

  1. New Georgia Encyclopedia — https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/sports-outdoor-recreation/atlanta-thrashers/
    Supports: Franchise dates, relocation to Winnipeg, financial losses, and overall team history.
  2. Today in Georgia History — https://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/tih-georgia-day/atlanta-thrashers/
    Supports: Team naming origin, founding context, season-ticket and playoff history, and relocation context.
  3. Georgia Hockey Museum — https://www.georgiahockeymuseum.com/thrashers
    Supports: Name origin from Georgia’s state bird and team history.
  4. FOX Sports — https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/a-timeline-of-the-atlanta-thrashers
    Supports: 2011 sale to True North Sports and Entertainment and relocation timeline.
  5. Thrasher Family Association — https://thrasherfamilyassociation.com/connections/atlanta-thrashers-hockey-team/
    Supports: Expansion franchise award date, naming origin, arena, division, playoff result, and relocation.
  6. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-thrashers-1.997098
    Supports: Playoff frequency and broad franchise history.