Thrashers Skate To Winnipeg

Hockey fans in Winnipeg, Manitoba, finally have their wish with news that the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers are headed to the city following a May 31 sale.

True North Sports and Entertainment reportedly paid $170 million to relocate the Thrashers, which will now play at the 15,000-capacity MTS Centre.

Winnipeg’s been absent a hockey team since the Jets were sold to Phoenix in 1996 and fans never piped down about their desire for a replacement in the time since.

True North has apparently had its eyes on both the Thrashers and the Phoenix Coyotes for some time, as both teams have been struggling financially. However, the suburban city of Glendale where the Coyotes play recently agreed to subsidize the team during discussions with a prospective owner who’s vowed to stay put.

That left the Thrashers as the most viable option. The group that owns the team claims to have lost $130 million since taking over the poorly ranked franchise, and has reportedly been looking to sell for some time.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said during a press conference with True North Sports and Entertainment that the league didn’t want to move cities, but had no other option.

“We don’t like to move a franchise,” he said. “We’re not happy about leaving Atlanta. This was never about Winnipeg is better than Atlanta. The decision to come to Winnipeg was only made after Atlanta ownership made the decision they were going to sell even if it meant the club was going to leave Atlanta.”

The Winnipeg deal isn’t exactly done. It is still subject to approval at an upcoming meeting of the NHL board of governors, but is expected to draw support from league owners.

Atlanta also lost an NHL team in 1980 when the Flames moved to Calgary.