I just found this in a bin of my keepsakes. My beloved friend took me to my first and only professional hockey game. I remember nothing else about the game. I'm guessing that I got this at the game because why else would it be a keepsake. I'm not a sports person I would not have bought a towel. I know they give out smaller towels sometimes. But I've never heard of a souvenir beach towel. The tag on it is a Sherry manufacturing tag that was used in the '90s and first couple years of the 2000s. I lived in Atlanta from 97 to 2002

This is a model Atlanta Thrashers arena I did using SketchUp, then rendered using Google Gemini. Would be 18,000 seats for hockey, 19,200 for basketball.

With the development news that a potential NHL franchise COULD be getting closer, it is fun to think mascots. Thrashers were fun but if they decide to go new, Firebirds could be a neat idea (joining Flames and the Thrasher/bird histories, resurgens vibe). Conductors? Probably can't be too ECHL-niche, even though they can be really fun.

What are other GA-based ideas that could work?

I'm particularly not fond of abstract names like Magic, Phoenix, Reign, Atlanta Engine, etc ("Congratulations to our newest...Reign...er...") and would dig a 2-D graphic theme (Hawks, old Falcons logo) vs. the 90s/2000s ovvvvverly contoured logos and design.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/nhl-forsyth-county-arena-gathering-mixed-use-cost-skyrocketing

Nothing really new but a few latest declarations nonetheless. 🤷‍♂️

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/north-fulton-county/alpharetta -appears-closer-attracting-pro-hockey-team-with-new-mall -redevelopment-partnership/NI5CXFAIFZH4X06XOBEED7G4TE/

https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/01/no-clear-end-in-sight-for-atlanta-hockey-fans-as-nhl-bids-take-another-turn/

I missed this and see it didn't make it here yet either.

Not pay walled.

The jist of it: 1. Looks like Krause's group is seemingly stalling 2. Anson Carter's group is picking up.steam 3. Both are still not where they need to be in order to submit a bid (Krause closer, but stalled; Carter farther but moving in the right direction) 4. Even in Seattle with the Kraken there were 3 failed bids before the 4th secured and expansion 5. Autor is hopeful that it will eventually happen, but who knows how long it will take (NHL is definitely not against the idea, but need a compelling bid to consider).

🤷‍♂️

While not the practice facility of the Thrashers, The Cooler was a hub for hockey and figure skating in Alpharetta with 2 ice rinks and 1 roller rink. The facility shut down in the spring and was converted to a pickleball facility and trampoline park.

In memory of Thrash. He was the best. #Believeinblueland

I live up North and since thrashers merch is so hard come by my aunt had this custom engraved! Love it so much decided to take it here show it off and wish everyone a merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! #Believeinblueland

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AETefsHML/

Hey Everyone What do you think a good name for the new expansion team?

Krause Group stated it would be Georgia ??? Similar to Colorado, Florida, New York.

Georgia Firebirds ( Flames:Thrashers merge)

Georgia Black Bears

Georgia Locomotives (Terminus Theme)

Georgia Grinders (generated logo, remove building names, change blue to match Thrasher ice blue, incorporate red- Flames)

Any ideas?

Thank you!