By RANDY SPORTAK, SUN MEDIA
The chance he spent most of last season in the NHL’s substance abuse program instead of patrolling the ice worried Brian McGrattan a bit when he was searching for a new contract.
Those fears were laid to rest quickly with a phone call from the Calgary Flames and a meeting with new head coach Brent Sutter.
“I knew teams would have questions about it, but everything’s been positive,” McGrattan said recently from his off-season home in Hamilton. “I came in Wednesday and met with Brent on Thursday, and basically, he told me to come and work hard. I like that. They seem like straight shooters.
“I think you make your ice time by bring a great work ethic and attitude, and that’s what I’m going to bring. I’m a great guy in the room, ask anybody I’ve played with in Ottawa and Phoenix. That’s what I’m going to bring.”
The Flames inked the 6-foot-4, 235-lb. enforcer to a one-year, one-way contract. Last season, he played only five games for the Phoenix Coyotes.
He said the decision to enter the rehabilitation program was the best choice he’s ever made.
“My life’s better than it’s ever been,” said McGrattan, who has been told to be tight-lipped about the circumstances. “The last eight months has been really special for me. I’ve really learned to appreciate how great life is on the other side of hockey, and the hockey stuff has got better.
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Brian McGrattan’s Storm Bio… Originally selected by the Storm in the 4th round of the 1997 OHL Priority Selection, Brian was a member of the Storm during the club’s run to their first OHL Championship in 1997-98… The Hamilton native was traded by the Storm in a multi-player deal that saw the club acquire Charlie Stephens from the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.