biography.

Chris Gratton is 23 years old and plays for the National Hockey League's Philadelphia Flyers. He has been in the NHL for the past five years. Four seasons in which he played for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Starting out ice skating at the young age of four (normal Canadian age) he then started to play ice hockey a couple of years later. At the age of 17 he was being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, 1st round, 3rd overall in 1993.

Then deciding to wear #77 on his jersey because his cousin, Danny Gratton, who had previously played for the Los Angeles Kings and was drafted in 1985. So that is how Chris got his first NHL sweater number. Choosing a number for the Flyers was much harder. Having the number in which he had spent more then his four NHL seasons with taken away because somebody had already occupied the number. Chris was then going to take the #66 but in respect for retired Mario Lemuiex decided not to. #88 was taken by Eric Lindros and #99 was his childhood hero's, Wayne Gretzky. So with the liking for the same two numbers he then chose #55.

His forth season in the NHL was his "Breakout Season." Netting 30 goals and having 32 assists for 62 points. Being one of the only two, Keith Tkachuk, leading there teams in both points and penalty minutes (201).

The Younger Years

As a little guy growing up in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Chris had quite a little mouth. When his mom caught him cussing he ran into the bathroom and washed his mouth out with soap. For high school he went to where his mom still volunteers to this very day, Loyalist Collegiate. While he was in the Ontario Hockey League he got many awards while playing for the Kingston Frontenacs. One of the awards was OHL Rookie of the Year.

After accomplishing most everything while playing for Kingston from 91-93, and also playing for the World Junior Championships and getting a gold medal, which he credits as one of his greatest accomplishments, he decided to go into the NHL Entry Draft.

His Kingston coach Dave Allison said, "Chris is a powerful forward in the mold of Mark Messier. As he lengthens his stride and becomes more efficient, he will dominate. He has an impeccable work ethic. He is very effective along the boards and in the corners."

Proving that Gratts, his nickname, will and already is one of the greatest. Since 1990 Chris has netted 175 goals that have been credited to his 98 miles per hour, left handed slap shot.

Personal Information

Chris was born on July 5, 1975, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He has one other sibling, his sister Terri, who is two years older than him. He enjoys playing golf and working out in his spare time. While on the Lightning the players and coaches said that he probably can challenge the best of the professionals in golf. During the off season he visits his family in his hometown of Brantford.

He has won two gold medals. One of which was the World Junior Championships Canadian team. The other in the World Championships in Helenski, Finland last summer. This season he was selected to play for the Canadian team once again. He missed the first couple of games due to a previous engagement with the NHL playoffs.

After the Flyers got eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the Buffalo Sabers, the offer for playing in Zurich, Switzerland still stood with two open roster spots. Chris flew out on a night flight and scored one goal that next day. Sadly, on May 11, 1998, Team Canada got eliminated from the World Championships. While not being able to continue the tradition.

Chris' favorite television show is "Friends" and his favorite movies are "Field of Dreams" and "The Shawshank Redemption." For the Flyers Halloween party this year he dressed up as a monk. I can definitely say Chris is one of a kind.

Avidly helping out with charitable appearances in his hometown. As a Flyer each night he rents out a suite for underprivileged children to see a hockey game. While living in Tampa he did many autograph signings and charitable appearances left and right. He has made his fans very happy people.

Chris has Joe Thorton, top NHL prospect in the 1997 Entry Draft modeling his career in hockey after him. Chris had better get used to it because there will be a whole lot more people wanting a great career.