Brian McGrattan, known for his role as an enforcer on the ice, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily during the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s. Born on September 2, 1981, in Hamilton, Ontario, McGrattan's journey to the NHL began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Guelph Storm and later the Mississauga IceDogs. His physical style of play and willingness to drop the gloves made him a standout in junior hockey, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Despite being drafted by the Kings, McGrattan never played for the team. Instead, he signed with the Ottawa Senators, where he made his NHL debut in the 2005-2006 season. During his time with the Senators, McGrattan quickly established himself as one of the league's most feared fighters. In his rookie season, he set a franchise record for penalty minutes, amassing 141 in just 60 games. His role was clear: protect his teammates and provide a physical presence on the ice.
After three seasons with Ottawa, McGrattan was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008. His stint with the Coyotes was short-lived, as he played only five games before being sidelined due to injury and personal issues. Following his time in Phoenix, McGrattan signed with the Calgary Flames in 2009. However, his first tenure with the Flames was brief, and he spent most of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Abbotsford Heat.
In 2010, McGrattan joined the Boston Bruins organization, playing for their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. He returned to the NHL in the 2011-2012 season with the Nashville Predators, where he continued to fulfill his role as an enforcer. McGrattan's time in Nashville was marked by his dedication to improving his game and maintaining his physical style of play.
The Calgary Flames claimed McGrattan off waivers in 2012, marking the beginning of his second stint with the team. During this period, he became a fan favorite in Calgary, known for his toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates. McGrattan played two more seasons with the Flames, appearing in 76 games and recording 11 points along with 191 penalty minutes.
In 2015, McGrattan signed with the Anaheim Ducks but spent the season with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. His professional playing career concluded after the 2016-2017 season, during which he played for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, McGrattan was known for his role as an enforcer, a position that has become less common in modern hockey. His willingness to protect his teammates and engage in physical play defined his time in the NHL. Off the ice, McGrattan has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has become an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, using his experiences to help others facing similar challenges.
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