This statement is only partially true. I’m a native of Minnesota and hockey is not a niche sport there, in fact, it is almost a way of life. It’s the only state that I know of that has a state wide
almost-holidaylike event each year called “hockey” day Minnesota. It’s basically the movie, Mystery Alaska, but in Minnesota.

I have been living in Georgia for the last year and have gone to multiple Thrashers games and it’s night and day for the fans. I think the biggest problem with ALL the sports in Atlanta is the fact that Atlanta has such a diverse community that no one sport can TRULY be the “#1 sport of Georgia”. Even though college football seems to be the #1 sport I don’t think it would be considered the “#1 Sport of Georgia” hands-down. However, I could see Football as a whole being the top rated sport.

I can tell you that a number of the other Atlanta teams on Alex’s pecking order above hockey STINK! I would not walk across the street to see them play. So Alex (and his friends), if you want to watch crap, enjoy the teams and sports on your list.

The Thrashers were alotta fun to watch last year and more will come back next year. One reason-the Thrashers may have the best coach in the city. Anderson does not get enough credit for turning the team in the right direction 2nd half of the season. The last game was great, the place was pumped. We all wanted more.

If you want to list baseball and those sorry Braves as more desirable, then please move over to the Braves’ blog.

I have to admit, I was a Thrashers’ fan the first 3 season, then I left for awhile. I am back and happy to be back. Let’s hope July 1 gives us more positive news to talk about.

Chris, you next article should be an indept review of our prospects, one by one. Which youngster has a chance of breaking the lineup next season, similar to the TSN review on their web site. I think you can do a better job, with your knowledge and expertise.

Now I better watch some old hockey games before my wife starts cleaning out my TiVo.

Finally, a writer that speaks to the fans, compared to the other writers that speak down to the fans, or those who have personal agendas. A hockey writer. You are rare my friend.

Keep up the great work.

Most papers do not send a beat writer to the NHL draft unless it’s a Canadian paper. I was just checking out the New York papers and they didn’t even send anyone and a New York team had the number one pick in the draft. The New York, LA, Boston, and Chicago up until this last season hardly covered the NHL. Hell Boston sports radio makes fun of hockey fans when they called in about the Bruins. Hockey is a niche sport throughout the United States, not just Atlanta.