Former NHL enforcer McGrattan celebrates seven years of sobriety

By foxsports
Published

Although Brian McGrattan claimed his fair share of decisions when he dropped the gloves during his years in the NHL, the 34-year-old's ongoing bout with sobriety is one that he's determined to win.

An enforcer of four NHL teams, the rugged McGrattan recently celebrated his seven-year anniversary of getting clean and sober - and he couldn't be happier. However all was not rosy for the 6-foot-4, 235-pound McGrattan, who recently told the Calgary Flames' website about the moment he realized that he needed help.

That choice has allowed McGrattan the opportunity to embrace many of life's joys, including the birth of his son Gabriel eight months ago.

McGrattan hasn't been alone in his battle, as several former teammates have chimed in to lend their support. In turn, McGrattan's successes have also served as an inspiration for others as they deal with their own battles.

McGrattan, who is playing with the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League, recorded 10 goals, 17 assists and 609 penalty minutes in 317 career contests with the Ottawa Senators, then-Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators and Flames.

"I made a phone call to my parents and then talked to the league and talked to the (Flames) and said, 'I need some serious help here because it's not going to end well.' I don't know what made me make that decision ... some guardian angel? I have no idea. It's probably the only moment of clarity I had to make the right choice for once."