On Tuesday the so-called National Hockey League put its seal of approval on the decision by the owners of the Atlanta Thrashers to get the puck out of the Peach State. Yes, the Thrashers have been sold. The team is moving from the sunny south to the Great White North, to Winterpeg to be exact.
This is the second time that top-level pro hockey has failed in Atlanta. It didn't draw flies, leaving the owners drowning in a sea of red ink. This happened back in the 70s, when the Atlanta Flames were extinguished, only to be rekindled in Calgary.
Now "Flames Lite" head north of 49 to give Winnipeg its second chance at supporting Canada's national winter sport.* Previously the City that Summer Passes By had its own failed franchise, the Jets, now surviving -- only just -- as the Phoenix Coyotes.
When the Coyotes inevitably fold their tents [strange metaphor! Ed.], they will be welcome to relocate to some other Canadian city. Québec City and Hamilton already have putative owners waiting with open chequebooks. It is said that Toronto would also like to have a team.
* OK, I'll tell you. Canada's national summer sport is lacrosse. You're welcome.
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