At twenty-years-old, he was drafted in 2000 by the Atlanta Thrashers as the 180th overall pick in the sixth round. Hordichuk became well known in the NHL for his physical play and fighting. Upon being drafted, he was assigned to the Thrashers' minor league affiliate, the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League (IHL). He completed his first professional season also appearing in 11 games for the Thrashers as a call-up. He secured a roster spot with the club in his second year, but was dealt at the trade deadline to the Phoenix Coyotes along with a fifth-round draft pick in 2002 in exchange for prospects Kirill Safronov and Ruslan Zainullin. The following season, he was dealt to the Florida Panthers along with a second-round draft pick in exchange for defenceman Brad Ference. As he was swapped between teams in his first three seasons, Hordichuk played mostly in the minor leagues.