Josh Gratton a year in a half in Kingston playing for the Frontenacs and in that time became a true fan favorite. Josh is the cousin of ex-Frontenacs Star Chris Gratton, arguably one of the franchises all time greatest players. Josh played 61 games in Kingston, scoring 21 goals and adding 21 assists to go along with a whopping 200 penalty minutes. Gratton added one goal  and seven penalty minutes in one playoff game for the Frontenacs. Through his OHL career, Gratton played in 166 games with Sudbury, Kingston and Windsor, scoring 50 goals and 61 assists for 111 career points to go along with his 489 career penalty minutes. It was no secret that Gratton liked to play a physical and in your face game and was determined to use fighting, along with his gritty skill as a method of helping him reach his goal of playing in the NHL.

Today Josh Gratton is still fighting to maintain his fulltime spot in the National Hockey League as part of the Atlanta Thrashers organization. Gratton was acquired in the off-season by the Thrashers after spending the previous two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. In total Josh played 86 games in the NHL with Philadelphia and Phoenix with three goals and three assists and 294 penalty minutes.  

In the summer months, Josh spends his time in his hometown of London, Ontario and states winning the AHL championship with the Philadelphia Phantoms as his greatest hockey memory. “We had an awesome team in Philly that year and a lot of guys that are now stars in the NHL like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Patrick Sharp and R.J Umberger.” “We were also very tough and physical too. We had me, Todd Fedoruk, Riley Cote and Ben Eager who all became tough guys in the NHL,” said Gratton.

Gratton lists the Philadelphia Flyers as his favorite team he played for and enjoyed played for current Frontenacs GM Larry Mavety most of all. “The Flyers were my first NHL team so they always will have a special place for me and just playing for Mav, he is a beaut and he’s one of the only true old school coaches still left around the game,” said Gratton.

“My favorite thing about Kingston was the great fans. Kingston is a classy team and I really enjoyed my time there. I want to especially thank my favorite billet Jean. She is the best lady around,” concluded #24 Josh Gratton.