Former Vancouver Canucks forward Anson Carter is representing Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group to spearhead expansion to Atlanta.
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Anson Carter is representing Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group to spearhead expansion to Atlanta.
"I've lived in Atlanta since 2009, and I have no doubt that the best league in the world will thrive in its return to Metro Atlanta," Carter said. "I have been in dialogue with Commissioner Bettman since 2019 about an expansion team returning to the Fulton County Metro Atlanta market, knowing that the NHL franchise decisions are exclusively decided by the NHL Board of Governors."
Anson Carter has been a staple on TNT's broadcasts of NHL games this season and become one of the top faces to watch.
The release states the goal of putting an arena in Alpharetta, north of downtown Atlanta.
"The arena's location is pivotal to enhancing the hockey fan experience, with Alpharetta boasting the largest hockey-playing community in Metro Atlanta," ASE's release said. "Spearheaded by Mr. Carter, this ambitious project will introduce a world-class destination featuring a state-of-the-art arena designed by architectural legend Frank Gehry, primed for NHL hockey and premier concerts."
Carter played one season in Vancouver and enjoyed a career-high 33 goals in 2005-06.
The Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta Flames came before and didn't work. There have been reports of expansion and support from local government, but this is the first time ownership has come up.
From 1999 to 2011, the Thrashers existed but have since moved to become the second iteration of the Winnipeg Jets.
More news should trickle as the season progresses about whether there will be a return to Atlanta for a third time.
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