Feb 4, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley (right) talks to right wing Brian McGrattan (16) during the first period against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
According to HockeyFights.com, Calgary Flames enforcer Brian McGrattan had 11 hockey fights during the 2013-14 NHL season. My favourite is his fight against a now Calgary Flame, Deryk Engelland. I love this fight because for the brutality that is fighting, Mr. McGrattan uses every sportsmanlike conduct to his avail. After knocking down Engelland with a short jab, McGrattan clearly holds back and what could have been a gruesome beatdown. Then at the end of the fight, gives Engelland the “better luck next time” love tap.
A bruiser on the ice, a gentleman off the ice.
Big guy, bigger heart. Thanks to @NHLFlames Brian McGratten @bigern10 for sharing hope on beating addictions. #yyc http://t.co/3fmKXlrKwW
— Gord Gillies (@Gord_Gillies) September 8, 2014
Come out and support @AARCS_Canada on Sept 20th! You can donate here https://t.co/VY5w06UvfK pic.twitter.com/Dg0tg6va78
— Brian McGrattan (@bigern10) September 9, 2014
The 33 year old Brian McGrattan is entering the final year of his two year contract with the Calgary Flames. Last season, McGrattan set career highs in games played (76) and goals (4) in a NHL season. Can Calgary Flames expect an encore performance during McGrattan’s “contract year”? The obvious answer from a bettors standpoint is no on both questions.
It is rare in today’s NHL to see a “true” enforcer play over 70 games, never mind in back to back years. As for “Big Ern” matching his 4 goal total? McGrattan adds goals to the Calgary Flames by adding a couple extra inches of open ice for his teammates whose primary objective is to score goals…not by scoring the goals himself.
It’s a shame this will likely be his final season with our Flames. Youth movement casualty.