Winnipeg Franchise Will Honor Snyder's Retired Number

Even though the team may change cities, the proof that true hockey people are more classy than compared to the other major professional sports, the Thrashers number 37 will continue to be retired in Winnipeg.

Classy and impressive. It's a PR move that is certain to smooth over some bitterness of knowing that a fan base in Georgia did just lose their team.

As you may recall, Dan Snyder was a promising young player for the Atlanta Thrashers until an off-season high speed car accident witch then prompted the team to honor the late teammate by retiring his jersey number while prominently positioning the number in the rink boards.

No word thus far as to weather or not the former Winnipeg Jets retired numbers (who are honored in Phoenix) will continue to be honored with this new team.

Winnipeg Free Press

Thrashers Fans Hurt, Upset and Lash Out

AP Photo from SI.com

It was the inevitable pep rally that eventually turns to pointing fingers at who should be assigned blame to the perceived failure of the Atlanta Thrashers - the second NHL franchise in the city.

The rational hockey fan can hopefully see beyond the hyperbole and rhetoric that claims the Thrashers has no fans (or if they do you can count them on 1 hand). But the reasonable, non-"Canucklehead", fans can and should evoke sympathy to those Thrashers fans who did adopt hockey in the American south. It's a fact that Atlanta DID have fans, bought their franchise's merchandise, worn their replica jersey and sought out

But among the lost hope and confusion during the time of rumors and more bigoted anti-southern rhetoric, the finger pointing has already begun and blame assigned for the apparent failure of keeping the team in Atlanta in the 11th hour. Here is the rundown of who Thrashers fans blame for their loss.

• Gary Bettman's non-support after focusing all attention to Phoenix, AZ.
• Previous team owners, Atlanta Spirit, who's infighting and public court battles may have wrecked the team's direction.
• Loss of franchise star Ilya Kovalchuk.

It may take a while for healing to begin, but as the hockey fans in Atlanta realize, they've just lost a second franchise to Canada.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Tom Glavine May Purchase Thrashers Franchise

An interesting development in the Thrashers saga continues to make it intreguing enough to blog about. Modern day sports legend Tom Glavine has floated news via an Atlanta radio station that he is interested in being a part of an ownership group to keep the Atlanta Thrashers in the state.

Tom Glavine is no stranger to hockey. He's often asked about it when he makes appearances at games on National TV. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1984, but in retrospect chose the right career choice in playing in the MLB for the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets winning 300+ games.

Seems like they are trying to keep the team there in Atlanta with a new core of stable owners. The source article doesn't say on weather they would continue to keep the Hawks and Philips Arena in the group or split up the franchises to increase their chances of finding more buyers.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Kovalchuk Traded to Devils

The Atlanta Thrashers were primed to rid themselves of a real headache and today they were able to choke back the bitter solution. Ilya Kovalchuk (forever known here as "Kovalchick") was involved in a 5 player deal that sent him to the Atlantic division leading New Jersey Devils.

Lamoriello is known to have the keen eye for drafting talent, so it was only reasonable for the Devils having the best offer for the Thrashers as far as prospects go. John Oduya, Nicklas Bergfors and recently disgraced junior prospect Patrice Cormier and the Devils 2010 1st round pick make for an excellent return. Swedes, Johny and Nicklas, have been ready for the big time in Jersey and in an offensive minded team, perhaps they can have the opportunity to score with the talent they have.

Kovalchick, had been spending the past several weeks involved with a back-and-forth negotiations with the Thrashers management (who is already distracted in court) over a long term deal worth more than the Ovechkin contract.

The only real losers here are the loyal fanbase of the Thrashers who have watched Kovalchick develop into a top 5 player in the league. Looking around the blogisphere, you can sense the frustration of having another player skip town for more money or glory. Who knows how many more times will the fans will collectively cope with the perpetual heartbreak.

[Via: FOX Sports]

Dan Snyder Remembered

Tonight, the Thrashers organization paid tribute to #37. Dan Snyder was tragically killed in a car accident. "He'll have to live with that the rest of his life," said Pens Hall of Fame announcer Mike Lange during the game about the perp responsible, Danny Heatly.

Also, Kovalchuk was going for a 40 goal season. You could tell how hard he was trying when all of his teammates were just serving it up to him every chance they got. Ilya had 8 or 9 shots all by himself in the first period. He was so visibly frustrated at how Pens goalie J.S. Aubin covered him well by stopping every chance.

However, Kovalchuk would not be denied! He got a goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game to make it an even 40 goals during the regular season. Hollywood can't come up with such natural drama!

He gets one more chance to tack on more goals during the Thrashers last game of the year against their division rival Tampa Bay.