Well-loved McGrattan's journey has been humbling
/Members of the Calgary Flames don't like Brian McGrattan.
They love the guy.
This is clear with any interview and Tuesday night's profile in The Calgary Herald further proves the point.
With all of the heartache in the hockey community this week, McGrattan's tale of perseverance in his battle against substance abuse stands as a beacon of positivity.
From Joe Colborne describing a McGrattan goal ("Everyone’s just grinning. Like, we’re SO pumped for him.") to Bob Hartley feelings ("I have the utmost respect for him.”), it's clear what McGrattan means to this team.
“I’ve said it before, I had a pretty dark time in my life,” McGrattan said. “I kind of reached rock-bottom. The hard work I put into myself and my personal life, it’s paid off in a lot of other ways that has really humbled me. I do as much work as I can in the community.
“I try to do some work with some treatment centres here to kind of keep me back and keep me humble and not let me forget who I really am.”
Also: “Sometimes you’re not in the lineup for four or five games and you have to bring the same positive attitude. You have to set an example for young guys. It’s taken a lot of learning to get where I’m at.
“I try to enjoy every day, especially every day in this league. We’re all blessed to be here. We’ve put a lifetime of work into what we do. Unfortunately, you can’t do it forever and enjoy every day you’re here.”
Source: Kristen Odland, Calgary Herald