Gratton Makes Jump To NHL
Published on July 27, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO â Josh Gratton, who spent half of last season with the San Diego Gulls, has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the NHL club announced on Tuesday. Per Flyers team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Gratton, who will turn 22 in September, recorded 10 points (4g, 6a) and 239 penalty minutes in 30 games for the Gulls last season, his first as a professional. On Jan. 13 he was called-up to the American Hockey League's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks where he registered four points (2g, 2a) and 69 penalty minutes in 21 games. Upon his assignment to Cincinnati, Gratton led the ECHL in penalty minutes.
Before turning pro, Gratton spent the previous three seasons playing juniors in the Ontario Hockey League. In 2002-03, the 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound native of Scarborough, Ontario notched 56 points (26g, 30a) and 192 penalty minutes while splitting time with the Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires. Gratton ranked 10th in the OHL with 192 penalty minutes in 2002-03 and tied for seventh with 194 penalty minutes in 2001-02.
He is the first player in Gulls (ECHL) history to be promoted to the NHL. The West Coast Hockey League Gulls had two previous players make it to the NHL: Micki Dupont (Calgary Flames) and Garret Stroshein (Washington Capitals).
Gratton is the cousin of former Flyer and current Colorado Avalanche player Chris Gratton.
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