Atlanta takes the ice for the first time since Dan Snyder’s death.

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) – Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley called the team’s practice ice a sanctuary, so it was fitting the players kneeled for a prayer Tuesday after their first practice since center Dan Snyder died.

“It’s a situation you never want to come across,” center Marc Savard said. “It’s tough. It’s in the back of your mind with every little thing you do.”

Snyder died Sunday night of injuries he sustained in a Sept. 29 car crash in which teammate Dany Heatley was driving. Heatley, who was also injured, was charged with vehicular homicide.

With the encouragement of Snyder’s family, the Thrashers will play their season opener Thursday night at home against Columbus. The team then will fly to Canada for Snyder’s funeral in Elmira, Ontario, on Friday.

Earlier Tuesday, Magistrate Richard Hicks said Heatley, who remains free on $50,000 bond, would be allowed to travel for the funeral.

Prosecutors said the vehicular homicide charge, which carries a sentence of three to 15 years, was based on a preliminary finding that Heatley was driving recklessly.

Heatley suffered a broken jaw and a serious knee injury in the accident. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery Tuesday faces nine months to a year of rehabilitation.

Attorney Ed Garland says his client is “an emotional wreck” and is grieving Snyder’s death.

Nameplates for Snyder and Heatley were still on their lockers Tuesday. Savard promised to win that first game for Snyder, but the coach said hockey is not the priority this week.

“We are definitely facing the ultimate adversity, and we have to face it as a team,” Hartley said. “The game now is not about winning. It’s about taking care of our family. This is basically our sanctuary right now. Going on the ice is what we enjoy the most.”

Shawn McEachern, who will assume Heatley’s starting position as the first line right wing, said the players needed to be with their teammates.

“It feels good to be with the guys, to tell the truth, and do what we do,” McEachern said.

Goalie Byron Dafoe said the group prayer Tuesday would not be the last.

“It was just all of us getting together with our thoughts and prayers for Dan,” Dafoe said. “That’s what it’s going to be every time we get on the ice.”

Team officials were still discussing how Snyder will be honored Thursday night. Players likely will wear a patch with Snyder’s initials or his No. 37. There also will be a moment of silence before the game.

“It’s bringing guys closer together, knowing he’s there with us,” Savard said.

“He’s looking over us.”

AP-ES-10-07-03 1637EDT