[wretched34]

With all the "Frickin" threads showering our current players with support, I thought Big Ern deserved some love, is it "Frickin" worthy, you be the judge.

The guy is a beast on the ice, and part of the Heart and Soul of the team.
Averaging just 6:16 AVG TOI over the season, but getting more recently, 9:18 AVG TOI over the last 10 games, he has proven he is not just a goon, but a solid 4th liner. He has put up 3 goals, 3 assists, 68 hits, 100 PIM's and 11 Fights. He's won all 11 of those fights.

When compared to other Enforcers (Orr, Parros, Thornton, Carkner, Konopka, McLaren) He's put up more points than all but Thornton, who has 7. He's been in more fights than all but Konopka, who also has 11, but has only won 5 (2nd most of the enforcers) compared to Big Ern's 11 for 11 record.
11 other players in the league have been in more fights, Sestito leads the way with 17, who McGrattan has pummeled twice in two bouts, and only Gazdic has won as many fights as McGrattan (in their one meeting, McGrattan won), but it's taken 15 fights to match the wins.

Outside of his Enforcing prowess, he genuinely seems to hold this group together, and care for his teammates like they are all his brothers.
On a young team, requiring leadership from the vets, McGrattan supplies this greatly. I think along with Giordano, they are the glue that holds the team together, and pushes the unity that we see night in, and night out on the ice.

I truly respect Brian McGrattan for who he is on and off the ice. The guy is a class act, and a great mentor to have on this team.

I really hope he's hear for years to come, and is rewarded with a solid contract extension next year, especially since he is one of the lowest paid enforcers in the league, but certainly seems to offer more than any of the others.