In 1997 Atlanta was awarded an NHL franchise to replace the Atlanta Flames, who left for Calgary in 1980 to become the Calgary Flames. The Thrashers play at the 18,750 capacity Philips Arena.In 2003 tragedy hit The Atlanta Thrashers when forward Dany Heatley and center Dan Snyder were involved in a car accident that seriously injured Heatley and killed Snyder. As a tribute to Dan Snyder, Thrashers wore black patches and dedicated their 2003/4 season to him.
More cheeringly though, despite a number of goaltending injuries the Atlanta Thrashers saw their best season in 2005/6 with their playoffs near-hit, and their club-record 41 wins. Come on Thrashers!