The Thrashers are just the second team in NHL history to have five black players on the roster, which is even more significant in a city with a huge, affluent African-American population.
The team has beefed up its advertising on urban radio stations and black-oriented publications, focusing heavily on Byfuglien (BUFF-lin) and 19-year-old Evander Kane. Anthony Stewart and Johnny Oduya have also played significant roles this season, while Nigel Dawes has gotten in a handful of games.
Given the Thrashers rank near the bottom of the league in attendance, marketing officials are trying to boost hockey's presence in Atlanta's black community.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235790