Brian "BIG ERN" McGrattan

[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.

[Poe969]

Brian "don't mess with me or I'll crush you, but if I like then I'll do anything to help you and be there for you because I'm an amazing teammate" McGrattan.

[ForeverFlameFan]

That goal against Vancouver was amazing. Priceless look on Torts face.

Eddie Lack is a top 20 goalie, so that makes the goal even better, right?

He definitely deserves a raise when his contract is up. maybe a 3 year, 1.2m per. Yes, he's that valuable

[nixon45]

I love McGrattan and I don't care who knows it!

[TheDebaser]

I think you might have dropped this: "The Big Ern"

[Scornfire]

Brian "Big Brother" Mcgrattan

This is one guy that needs to finish out his career here, absolutely love him

[codynw]

I support this thread. I've been a huge McGrattan fan ever since I saw him on After Hours (the first time he was on, not the time he made an appearance in the sumo suit). Hope he stays with the Flames until he retires.

[EVERLAST]

Grats has been very very solid and its been a long time since we had an enforcer that I am comfortable with in all situations.

When we make the playoffs next year and he is able to get an opportunity to show what he can do in playoff situations.

I cannot remember the last time I was this impressed with a guy NOT just being an enforcer ...what he did during the Tortorella meltdown in preventing any further stupidity, fines etc was mesmerizing .

Brian is awesome

[FlamesAddiction]

He certainly seems popular on the team. I think the guy is awesome. So glad that we got him back.

https://twitter.com/TJGaliardi/statu...913472/photo/1

It's also his 300th game tonight. He's played more games this season than in any other NHL season, and after 5 more games, he will have played more than any season of his professional career.

[Huntingwhale]

I said it before and I'll say it again: McGrattan should honestly be one of the untouchables going forward. I don't care if goons are a dime a dozen. He needs to stay. He's a huge part of the team and IMO he is one of the main reasons for such a tight locker room this season. How can you not respect a player like him who does his job both on and off the ice with class and dignity? My dream is to see Big Ern raise the cup one day.

[Coach]

Love McGrattan. Also where does Ern come from? Is his middle name Ernie? Cuz that would suck.

[Azhouse]

I always assumed it was due to "Big Ern" McCracken (a play on Mcgrattan)

[wretched34]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Love McGrattan. Also where does Ern come from? Is his middle name Ernie? Cuz that would suck.

Originally Posted by Azhouse

I always assumed it was due to "Big Ern" McCracken (a play on Mcgrattan)

Azhouse, you are correct.
An interview from Nashville confirms:
How did you get the nickname ‘Big Ern’?
(Laughs) My rookie year in Binghamton we were watching that movie Kingpin on the bus. Bill Murray was ‘Big Ern McCracken’, so it’s stuck since then. It’s good. I like it. It’s a fun name.

[Red Ice Player]

All of the above. He is very valuable to this team. He hits hard, but he isn't a cheap shot artist. For this he is respected around the league.

[combustiblefuel]

I love no matter who he is throwing a hit on they all have the same "ah crap" look on their faces.

[return to the red]

Yep, Mcgrattan is something that you don't see much of anymore.

He has a maturity about the game and his team that is great for this young rebuilding Flames

[Southside]

McGrattan is exactly the kind of guy you need around a young rebuilding team. He seems to relish his role and keep things loose in the room. He has endeared himself to the fans as well.

[Miniac]

This belongs here

[wretched34]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

I love no matter who he is throwing a hit on they all have the same "ah crap" look on their faces.

This face looks better on those he hits:


Followed by:



and:

[Looch City]

After every fight he always skates away looking up at the crowd in a proud face while the crowd just erupts in cheers and a standing-o. It's amazing, I love that.

^that salute to the fans was the best. I remember he has a giant sketch of it in his own basement haha.