Sources: Atlanta Gets 2005 All-Star Game

The Atlanta Thrashers will play host to the 2005 All-Star game at Philips Arena, according to two people with knowledge of the plans.

The Thrashers, in their fifth NHL season, have scheduled a news conference for today, where team officials and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin will make a “major announcement.”

Thrasher spokesman Tom Hughes declined to comment. NHL spokesman Frank Brown wouldn’t confirm that the game would be played in Atlanta and declined to comment further.

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Mike Richter’s place in New York Ranger history was sealed a decade ago, when he helped the club win the Stanley Cup and break a 54-year curse.

His spot in the Madison Square Garden rafters was filled Wednesday when his No. 35 was retired by the only NHL team he ever played for.

“Every time someone puts on a Rangers sweater, they’ll look up there and see what a champion should look like,” said captain Mark Messier, who played with Richter for 11 seasons.

In 15 seasons with the Rangers, Richter reached 300 victories, but he sustained a career-ending concussion during his 301st win.

“I can tell you that any sense of loss has been replaced by the feeling of gratitude and joy,” Richter said.