Fans rally to save the Thrashers

Sports

Fans rally to save the Thrashers

Atlanta Thrashers fans hold a rally to show support for the city's hockey team, which soon could be headed to Canada.

Thrashers fan Jennifer Peters, of Suwanee, decorates her car to show her support of the team during a rally before the team's annual select-a-seat event. The Thrashers fan club held an impromptu save-the-team rally amid reports of the team's sale and relocation to Winnipeg, Canada.

Fans Nicholas Cooper (from left), 17, his father Greg Cooper, of Duluth, and their friend Jennifer Mann, of Duluth, chat during a rally before the team's annual select-a-seat event for season-ticket holders at Philips Arena. Even with reports of an eminent move, the Thrashers went ahead with their pick-a-seat promotion for next season.

The crowd gathers in a Philips Arena parking lot as the Thrasher fan club held a save-the-team rally amid reports of the team's sale and relocation to Canada. NHL and team officials have denied that the deal is done.

It wasn't all somber at the fan rally even as indications point to the team leaving town after 11 seasons. Atlanta Thrashers fan Kristen Bywater (left) and Reid Ramsay (right), both Atlanta, entertain themselves at the tailgate party-like event in a Philips Arena parking lot.

Thrashers fan Nancy Wysotski (left), of Marietta, dances with Harry The Hawk at the save-the-Thrashers fan rally. The Hawks are also for sale, but there is no threat to move the basketball team.

Atlanta Thrashers fan Amber Almon holds a Thrashers bear doll and poster to show her support of the team, which soon could be the second NHL team to leave Atlanta.

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Thrashers fan Jennifer Peters, of Suwanee, decorates her car to show her support of the team during a rally before the team's annual select-a-seat event. The Thrashers fan club held an impromptu save-the-team rally amid reports of the team's sale and relocation to Winnipeg, Canada.

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