Discover the hidden secrets of the Atlanta Flames hockey team, a team that once called Atlanta home. Did you know that the Flames were Atlanta’s first professional hockey team, making their debut during the 1972 NHL expansion? Despite their early success on the ice, the Flames’ tenure in Atlanta was short-lived. In this article, we will uncover the truth behind their relocation and what happened to their players and coaches.
From their memorable games to their star players, the Flames left a lasting impact on the city of Atlanta. However, the team’s success was overshadowed by financial difficulties and ownership struggles, leading to their eventual move to Calgary. But what was the real reason behind the Flames’ relocation, and what happened to their legacy?
Join us on a journey through the history of the Atlanta Flames and explore the untold stories of their rise and fall. Through exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, we reveal the shocking truth about this legendary team and their impact on the world of hockey.
If you’re a hockey fan, history buff, or just curious about the untold stories of professional sports, you won’t want to miss this captivating article. Discover the truth about the Atlanta Flames and the legacy they left behind.
Table of Contents
From NHL Expansion to Atlanta’s First Hockey Team
When the National Hockey League (NHL) announced plans to expand in the late 1960s, a group of investors in Atlanta saw an opportunity to bring professional hockey to the Southeast. Led by Tom Cousins, the group was granted an NHL expansion team in 1971, the Atlanta Flames. The team quickly became a beloved part of the city’s sports scene.
Despite early success, the Flames struggled in later years and eventually moved to Calgary in 1980. But their legacy as Atlanta’s first NHL team lives on, and their impact on hockey in the region is still felt today.
The Early Years of the Flames
When the Flames first took the ice in 1972, they were a young, energetic team with a loyal fan base. Led by players like Tom Lysiak and Eric Vail, the Flames made the playoffs in their second season, and continued to be a competitive team throughout the decade. Their success on the ice helped put Atlanta on the map as a hockey town, and paved the way for future teams in the region.
The Flames Move to Calgary
By the late 1970s, however, the Flames’ fortunes had started to wane. Attendance at games dropped, and the team struggled to stay competitive. In 1980, the team was sold to a group of investors in Calgary, and the Flames became the first NHL team in Canada to be located west of Winnipeg.
Despite the disappointment of losing their team, Atlanta’s hockey fans continued to support the sport, and the city would eventually get another NHL team, the Atlanta Thrashers, in 1999. While the Thrashers’ time in Atlanta was also short-lived, the city’s love of hockey has continued to grow, with minor league and amateur teams thriving in the region.
Atlanta’s Legacy in Hockey
The Atlanta Flames may have been short-lived, but their impact on hockey in the Southeast cannot be understated. They were the first NHL team in the region, and helped pave the way for other teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers. Today, Atlanta remains an important center for hockey development, with youth leagues and training programs helping to grow the sport in the region.
If you’re a hockey fan or just curious about the sport’s history in the Southeast, keep reading to learn more about the Atlanta Flames and their legacy in Atlanta and beyond.
Memorable Moments on the Ice: Atlanta Flames’ Best Games and Seasons
During their eight seasons in Atlanta, the Flames had their fair share of memorable moments on the ice. From historic games to impressive seasons, the team left a lasting impact on the city and the NHL as a whole.
One of the most memorable moments in Atlanta Flames’ history came on October 14, 1979, when the team took on the Detroit Red Wings in the first ever NHL game played in the Omni Coliseum. The Flames won the game 4-2, marking a historic moment in the team’s history and in the city’s history as well.
1978-79 Season
- The 1978-79 season was the most successful season for the Flames during their time in Atlanta, as they finished with a record of 41-31-8.
- During this season, the Flames made it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, but unfortunately lost in the preliminary round to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Despite the early playoff exit, the 1978-79 season was a significant milestone for the Flames and their fans.
1980-81 Season
- The 1980-81 season was another impressive season for the Flames, as they finished with a record of 34-32-14.
- The team’s success that season was largely due to the standout performance of their captain, Kent Nilsson, who led the team in scoring with 131 points.
- The Flames once again made it to the playoffs that season, but unfortunately lost in the quarterfinals to the New York Rangers.
1983-84 Season
- The 1983-84 season marked the final season for the Atlanta Flames before the team was relocated to Calgary.
- Despite the disappointment of losing their team, the Flames had a respectable season, finishing with a record of 34-34-12.
- The team’s last game in Atlanta was played on April 5, 1980, where they lost 4-3 to the Buffalo Sabres in front of a crowd of 15,635 fans.
These memorable moments and seasons showcase the impact that the Atlanta Flames had on the NHL during their time in the league. Although the team is no longer in Atlanta, their legacy lives on and their impact on the city and its fans is still felt to this day.
End of an Era: Reasons for the Flames’ Relocation
Atlanta Flames had a relatively short-lived existence, playing in the NHL for just eight seasons between 1972 and 1980. Despite showing promise early on, the team began to struggle financially in the late 1970s, leading to its eventual relocation to Calgary. Here are some of the reasons behind the team’s relocation:
Poor attendance: The Flames struggled to attract fans to their games, with average attendance falling below 10,000 in their final season in Atlanta.
Economic downturn: Atlanta experienced an economic downturn in the late 1970s, which made it difficult for the team to secure sponsorship and advertising deals.
3 Major reasons for the Flames’ relocation:
- Ownership disputes: The team was owned by a group of investors who disagreed over the direction of the franchise. This led to instability and uncertainty about the team’s future.
- Outdated arena: The Omni Coliseum, where the Flames played their home games, was outdated and in need of significant renovations. The cost of these renovations was deemed too high, and the team was unable to secure funding from the city.
Impact of the Flames’ relocation
The Flames’ departure from Atlanta was a blow to the city’s hockey fans, who were left without an NHL team until the arrival of the Thrashers in 1999. The team’s relocation also highlighted the challenges faced by smaller markets in the NHL, where teams struggle to compete with larger, more established franchises in terms of revenue and fan support.
Legacy of the Atlanta Flames: Where Are They Now?
The Atlanta Flames may have relocated in 1980, but the memories of the team and its players live on. Here’s a look at where some of the Flames’ biggest names ended up:
Players Who Stayed in Atlanta: Although the Flames moved to Calgary, some players decided to stay in Atlanta. One of the most notable players to stay was Pat Quinn, who went on to coach the Atlanta Thrashers.
Flames Players in the Hall of Fame:
- Lanny McDonald: McDonald played for the Flames for six seasons and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
- Grant Fuhr: Fuhr played one season with the Flames and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.
Flames Alumni Association:
The Atlanta Flames Alumni Association was formed in 2013 to preserve the legacy of the team and its players. The association hosts events and raises money for local charities, keeping the spirit of the Flames alive in Atlanta.
Discover the Secrets: What Happened to Atlanta Flames’ Players and Coaches?
The Atlanta Flames were an NHL team that played from 1972 to 1980 before relocating to Calgary, Canada. While the team was only active for a short time, the legacy of its players and coaches lives on. Many have gone on to have successful careers in hockey and other fields.
What happened to the Atlanta Flames’ players and coaches after the team’s relocation? Let’s take a look at some of the notable individuals and where they are now.
Players
- Tom Lysiak: The Flames’ first-round draft pick in 1973, Lysiak went on to have a successful NHL career with the Flames, Blackhawks, and Jets. After retiring from hockey, he returned to his hometown of High Prairie, Alberta, where he passed away in 2016.
- Eric Vail: Vail was a key player for the Flames during their final years in Atlanta. After the team’s relocation, he continued his NHL career with the Flames in Calgary, as well as the Red Wings and Jets. He now works as a financial advisor in Atlanta.
- Willi Plett: Plett was a fan favorite during his time with the Flames, known for his tough play and physicality. He continued his NHL career with the North Stars, Maple Leafs, and Bruins before retiring in 198He now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Coaches
Coaches also played an important role in the Flames’ history. Let’s take a look at where some of them ended up.
- Fred Creighton: Creighton coached the Flames during their final season in Atlanta. After the team’s relocation, he went on to coach several other NHL teams, including the North Stars and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He passed away in 2019.
- Al MacNeil: MacNeil coached the Flames from 1972 to 197After leaving the team, he went on to coach the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory in 1978. He retired from coaching in 1991 and now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Bobby MacMillan: MacMillan served as an assistant coach for the Flames in the late 1970s. After the team’s relocation, he went on to coach in the minor leagues and eventually became a scout for the Flames in Calgary. He retired from hockey in 2013.
While the Atlanta Flames may be gone, the legacy of their players and coaches lives on. Whether they continued their careers in hockey or pursued other paths, their contributions to the game will always be remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were the Atlanta Flames hockey team in Atlanta?
The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team that played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1972 to 1980. The team was based in Atlanta, Georgia, during their entire existence in the NHL.
What was the Atlanta Flames’ record during their time in the NHL?
The Atlanta Flames played a total of 634 games in the NHL, winning 263 games, losing 267 games, and tying 104 games. They made the playoffs three times, but never advanced beyond the second round.
Why did the Atlanta Flames move to Calgary?
The Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980 due to financial difficulties. Despite having a loyal fan base, the team struggled to draw consistent crowds, which made it difficult to turn a profit. The team’s ownership group ultimately decided to relocate the franchise to a new market where they hoped to find more success.
What was the legacy of the Atlanta Flames?
The legacy of the Atlanta Flames is mixed. While the team only existed for eight seasons, they made an impact on the NHL and the city of Atlanta. They were the first professional ice hockey team in the Southeastern United States, paving the way for future NHL expansion in the region. They also had some notable players, including Eric Vail and Tom Lysiak, who were both named NHL All-Stars while playing for the Flames.
What happened to the Atlanta Flames’ arena?
The Atlanta Flames played their home games at the Omni Coliseum in downtown Atlanta. After the Flames moved to Calgary, the arena was used for several more years for various events, but it was eventually demolished in 199The site of the former arena is now home to the Georgia World Congress Center.
Are there any former Atlanta Flames players or coaches still involved in the NHL?
Yes, there are several former Atlanta Flames players and coaches who are still involved in the NHL. One of the most notable is Bob Hartley, who coached the Flames from 2003 to 2007 and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2015 with the Calgary Flames. Other former Flames players who went on to have successful NHL careers include Guy Chouinard, Dan Bouchard, and Willi Plett.