Could NHL once more attempt to install team in Georgia?
The NHL has not fared well in Georgia, having failed several times to install a successful franchise in Atlanta. According to insider Kevin Weekes, an NHL-sized arena is coming to the state, though, raising questions about a renewed attempt at hockey in the area.
Per Weekes, an announcement regarding a new Arena project featuring a rink large enough to house an NHL hockey team could possibly come as soon as Monday.
While the plan seemingly is to build the arena first in order to attract a current NHL team or an expansion squad, that strategy has previously backfired -- even in more hockey-friendly locales. In 2015, the Videotron Centre opened in Quebec City, seating 18,259. But, its only hockey occupant thus far has been the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior League.
It's been 12 years since the Atlanta Thrashers left for Winnipeg, giving rebirth to the Jets. The Thrashers rarely put a competitive team on the ice, though, finishing under .500 in three of their five seasons. That said, while they were the victim of low attendance at the time, hockey might be catching on more in the area than previously believed.
The Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL ranked as high as fifth in attendance last season, per Nathan Dominitz of the Savannah Morning News. This despite not having the a relatively large arena.
After disastrous stints in Atlanta, the Flames and Thrashers left for greener pastures, but it would appear that the Peach State is hoping that the third time might be the charm.
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