The Atlanta Thrashers were an important part of Atlanta tradition and NHL history from 1999 to 2011, when they relocated to Winnipeg and became the reincarnated Winnipeg Jets.

Mar 29, 2011; Montreal, QC, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Brent Sopel (55) falls after being checked by Atlanta Thrashers player Ben Maxwell (49) during the third period at the Bell Center. (Photo Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images)

This broke the hearts of many hockey fans in Georgia, especially after the previous team, the Atlanta Flames, also took off to Canada to become the Calgary Flames after the 1980 season.

Never fear, Thrashers fans. On March 1 and 2, the Atlanta Gladiators will turn back the clock and transform into the Thrashers as part of their annual Thrashers Night and Hockey Heritage Weekend.

The team will host the Savannah Ghost Pirates Saturday and Sunday at Gas South Arena. Normally a one-night celebration, the Thrashers theme will be honored for an entire weekend.

Last season’s Thrashers Night drew 9,248 fans, once again demonstrating the Thrashers and Atlanta’s rich hockey history has not been forgotten.

The Gladiators are coming off a disappointing 8-2 loss to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on the road. Greenville scored the first five goals of the game, and the Glads couldn’t recover.

The team is no doubt glad to be back home for what should prove to be an exciting weekend, with fans rocking the Thrashers gear and the celebratory atmosphere. Puck drop for Saturday is set for 7 Pm ET, with Sunday’s contest scheduled for 3 Pm.