Jr. Bulldogs 2018-19 Head Coach Announcement – Chris Gratton – 2005 Minor Bantam
Chris
Gratton played Junior B in his hometown of Brantford before being drafted in
the first round -#3 overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL Priority
Selection in 1991. In his rookie season with the Frontenacs, Chris
captured the OHL Rookie-of-the-Year honours and was a member of the OHL
All-Rookie Team. Chris Gratton was a member of Canada's Gold Medal Team at the
1993 World Junior Championships and was also named to the OHL's Third All-Star
Team before going on to play in the NHL.
In the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Chris Gratton was chosen third overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chris played in the NHL from 1993 to 2009 playing for Tampa Bay for a total of 8 seasons (1993-97, 1998-2000 and 2007-2009) and the remaining seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Chris finished his NHL career with 214 goals, 354 assists and 1,638 penalty minutes. In 1997 and 1998 Chris Gratton represented Canada in the World Championships.
Chris is a true leader that leads by example and makes a tremendous impact on the overall strength of his Team. Team achievements this season – 1st Place finish to earn the SCTA PeeWee AAA League Championship Trophy, Champions of the Burlington Golden Horseshoe Hockey Tournament, Runners Up of the CCM World Invite and the Jr. Bulldogs PeeWee AAA Team have been selected to represent the OMHA in the 2018 Ontario Winter Games taking place in Orillia from March 1 to 4, 2018.
It is quite evident that Chris loves the sport and he willingly shares his love and enjoyment with the players. Chris has respect for all aspects of the sport of hockey - the refs, players, other coaches, and parents. He believes that positive coaching should be anywhere and everywhere and that you should teach others how to respect themselves, others, and their sport.
The Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs are pleased to welcome back Chris Gratton as the Head Coach of the 2005 Minor Bantam AAA Team where we are confident that he will continue to inspire those around him to do great things.