The Atlanta Flames history is a fascinating chapter in NHL lore. Founded in 1972, the team brought Atlanta Flames hockey to the Deep South, exciting fans with competitive play and strong rosters. Although the franchise eventually relocated, its years in Atlanta left a lasting mark on professional hockey and the city’s sports culture.
Established
1972
City
Atlanta – Calgary
League History
1972 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1980 – Present / Calgary Flames
1972 – 1980 / Atlanta Flames
Nickname
Flames – The Atlanta Flames, an NHL franchise from 1972-1980, have a unique and exciting history behind their name. The name was inspired by the city of Atlanta’s connection to the Civil War and its prosperous southern heritage. During the war, General William Tecumseh Sherman famously set fire to much of what is now downtown Atlanta in 1864 as part of his famous “March to the Sea” campaign, during which he destroyed Confederate supply lines and morale. This fire became known as “the Great Fire of Atlanta” or simply "the flames."
Atlanta Flames Origin
To commemorate this historical event in Georgia while representing strength and courage on ice, owners Tom Cousins & Irv Kupcinet used "Flames" as their new NHL team's nickname when they were awarded an expansion franchise in 1972. It was a fitting choice given that hockey is often referred to as being played with fiery intensity on both sides - something that could be seen at every single home game for eight seasons until 1980, when ownership moved them up north into Calgary, where they still exist today under only slightly different branding (Calgary Flames).
For those sports fans who remember watching games at The Omni or cheering from afar during those eight years between '72-'80, though, there will always be fond memories tied directly back to these original "Atlanta Flames."
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
1989
Arena
1983 – Present / Scotiabank Saddledome
1980 – 1983 / Stampede Corral
*Atlanta*
1972 – 1980 / Omni Coliseum
Owner
1980 – Present / Calgary Flames Limited Partnership
1972 – 1980 / Tom Cousins
- 1974
- 1980
Atlanta Flames Team Formation
It announced on November 9, 1971, that it was expanding to Long Island and Atlanta. The Atlanta franchise was awarded to Tom Cousins, who also owned the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, and would play out of the Omni Coliseum. The team cost $6 million.
Move to Calgary
As the team stagnated on the ice, the Flames struggled at the gate. They peaked at an average of 14,161 fans per game in their second season, 1973 – 1974, but fell to 12,258 three years later and then 10,500 in 1977 – 1978. Concerns that low attendance could result in the relocation of the team surfaced by 1976, prompting ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Atlanta Flames History
The Atlanta Flames history began when the team was established in 1972, bringing Atlanta Flames hockey to Georgia for the first time. Although the franchise is often mistakenly linked to the World Hockey Association (WHA), it was in fact a National Hockey League (NHL) expansion team. They played their home games at The Omni Coliseum from 1972 until 1980 before relocating to Calgary, Alberta, to become the Calgary Flames. This move remains one of the most significant moments in Atlanta Flames history, creating a lasting connection between both cities and their fan bases.
During their eight seasons in Atlanta, the franchise compiled a record of 206-288-66, showing flashes of competitiveness and giving Atlanta Flames hockey a passionate local following. The team made four playoff appearances in that span, an impressive achievement for a relatively new franchise in a non-traditional hockey market. Their distinctive logo—a flaming “A” representing Atlanta—became an iconic symbol of the team’s identity and remains a cherished part of Atlanta Flames history today.
Flames Achievements
The 1975–76 season was their best year, as the team advanced to the semi-finals by defeating both the New England Whalers and Cleveland Crusaders before falling to the eventual champions, the Houston Aeros, in a 4–1 series. Although the team never captured a Stanley Cup or other major trophy while in Georgia, Atlanta Flames hockey helped pave the way for future NHL interest in the southern United States and inspired a generation of local fans.
After relocating to Calgary, the franchise became one of the NHL’s most successful, winning multiple division titles and earning its first Stanley Cup in 1989. The strong foundation built during the Atlanta Flames history contributed to this later success. Today, Atlanta Flames hockey is remembered for introducing NHL excitement to Atlanta and for laying the groundwork for what became one of Canada’s premier hockey organizations.
Retired Number
9 / Lanny McDonald
12 / Jarome Iginla
30 / Mike Vernon
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history