Crunch standout Gratton commits to Nipissing of OUA

COCHRANE CRUNCH JR. A HOCKEY

Media Update

Release Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015

Photo credit: Chris Dawson

Crunch standout Gratton commits to Nipissing of OUA

COCHRANE — The Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team of the OUA improved their team speed as they officially announced the commitment of high-scoring Cochrane Crunch forward Cody Gratton.

Gratton comes to the Lakers after having a dominating season with the Crunch in 2014-15, where he was a huge contributor, scoring 52 goals in just 44 games in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Lakers head coach Mike McParland sees Gratton competing for ice time in his rookie season in the OUA.

“Cody will bring us incredible speed, and we are hoping with a certain adaptation phase he will be able to score at our level as well,” McParland said.

Gratton, a Sudbury native was a first team NOJHL all-star last year with Cochrane leading the league in goals with 52.

Along with his tally total he added 35 assists this past campaign for 82 points with the Crunch.

“I’m thrilled to have signed with the Lakers and look forward to being part of the program, hopefully the team can do some big things,” Gratton said.

“I wanted to be close to home but not at home and Nipissing is only an hour and a half from my house.”

Gratton has a lot of offensive skill and he says that’s what he’ll bring to the lineup in the fall.

“I consider myself an offensive forward, with great speed and can see the ice well,” he said of his style of play.

“My expectations for the team are to grow and be able to compete for the number one spot and for myself, it’s being in the lineup consistently.”

With files from Chris Dawson, the baytoday.ca