MCGRATTAN ERA HAS BEGUN
… And the NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION of the WORLD
Raleigh NC – For the first time in 10 years the CPHL heavyweight crown rest with a recipient worthy of carry the Tim Hunter honour. Not since Dale Purinton of the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2004-2005 season has this been the case. Carolina Hurricanes winger Brian McGrattan accomplishes the feat with a career season in goals (11), points (18) and 335 PIM’s.
The Tim Hunter Award by league definition is awarded to the “Best CPHL goon award is voted on by all GMs...combo of toughness and PIM” but with the exception of Purinton, the award was handed out to tier 2 players that amassed a lot of PIM’s. But this is the Timmy Hunter award and not the Gary Roberts award. For two long CPHL tough guys have taken a bad rap because of league biasness against them. Commissioners have spoken on record about their dislike of their role in the game and that they should be abolished. In turn the CPHL policemen have received ratings not far above default 50ov marker. In fact guys like Panthers defencemen Mattias Ekholm who before this season has only played 3 games in the NHL have received a higher billing then a 7 year NHL vet like McGrattan.. But like Purinton 9 season ago McGrattan fought through the league obstacles and earned a roster spot of the Canes squad and brought back the prestige to an ward that’s been tarnished since the days Jiri Slegr were a nominee and then blaspmyly awarded to Todd Bertuzzi .
McGattan’s 335 penalty minutes fell second to league leader Derek Dorsett of the Nashville Predators. Dorsett amassed an amazing 40 fights total this season and without a doubt if Derek wasn’t on the loosing side of 3/4 of those he would have been carting the title. Outside long shot Mark Fraser (Maple Leafs) showed well totaling 247 PIM with a fight record of 14-11 and doing so in only 54 games.
The Carolina Hurricanes would like to thank all the GM’s that voted for Brian McGrattan, Derek Dorsett and Mark Fraser.
2013-2014 Tim Hunter Award Winner
