How odd that Atlanta should continue to emerge as HockeyTown South. Atlanta has two, count ‘em TWO hockey teams in the play-offs.
First, The Atlanta Thrashers finally have made the playoffs. Not only that, they will finally get to hang a banner in Philips Arena as they are the NHL Southeast Division Champions. Now come the play-offs. Despite ownership disputes and very expensive tickets, the Thrashers seem to have ingratiated themselves into the city and it’s culture. Certainly, many more people are wearing Thrashers wear than that of the Atlanta Hawks.
Second, as with every year they’ve been here, the Gwinnett Gladiators have made the play-offs. The Gladiators are the ‘AA’ affiliate of the Thrashers and play at the Gwinnett Center. Further, their goalie, Dave Caruso, is actually from Roswell! Defenseman Jon Awe is from Memphis. So when you root for them, you’re rooting for the local boys. Another difference between the Gladiators and the Thrashers is that the most expensive play-off tickets for the Gladiators are $18. For the Thrashers, the very top row of the nosebleeds will cost you $15.
So why has Atlanta derived such a Hockey culture? Most people will point to the immigration of so many northerners. Still more people have moved from smaller communities in the south than have moved from the North. It seems that everyone who can get out of South Carolina has moved here. The influx of northerners could neither save the Atlanta Flames, nor the Atlanta Knights (The only team that ever won a championship in the Omni).
Instead, it’s the next generation that has made the difference. The influx of northers has made a difference. It created a market for ice rinks. Kids begged to play hockey and when the kids are interested, the parents become interested. The parents bring the kids to the games, go to college hockey games, and then get hooked on seeing the pros. That’s what’s driven the demand. Now, the question is whether it will continue.
The Gladiators made the Kelly cup finals last year and did not see a noticeable increase in attendance. If the Thrashers get passed the first round, will weekday game tickets be harder to get? Stay tuned.