NHL Cancels 2005 All-Star Game

NEW YORK (November 3, 2004) -- The National Hockey League announced
today that the 2005 NHL All-Star Weekend, scheduled for February 12-13 at
Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., has been cancelled.

“We apologize to the fans, to the City of Atlanta, to the Thrashers and
to all those who already have devoted so much effort to planning this
important hockey celebration,” said Frank Supovitz, Group Vice
President, NHL Events & Entertainment. “All-Star Weekend is an opportunity to
showcase a great sport and a great city. We will reschedule All-Star
Weekend for Atlanta as soon as possible and will do everything we can to
reward everyone's patient support.”

No determination has been made as to when Atlanta will host the event,
although the earliest opportunity would be 2008. The 2006 NHL All-Star
Weekend already has been awarded to the Phoenix Coyotes and Glendale
Arena. The process of awarding the 2007 event is nearing completion.

“We're sorry the realities of our situation have imposed themselves on
what should be a special time for the city of Atlanta and our fans,”
said Don Waddell, the Thrashers' Executive Vice President and General
Manager. “The NHL and this organization are committed to bringing the
All-Star Game to Atlanta within the next few years and presenting one of
the best All-Star Weekends in history. When we get the chance, we will
bring the best players and the League's best regular-season event to one
of its premier venues, Philips Arena. We look forward to hosting a
world-class event."