The Northern Manitoba Blizzard have a new head coach for the upcoming season.

 

Coach Josh Gratton comes from a hockey family and grew up playing in southwestern Ontario. After being drafted to play in the U.S, he went on to play professionally for 17 years before turning to coaching to continue his hockey journey.

 

Gratton says he fell in love with coaching immediately and enjoys passing on his knowledge to younger players. Most recently, he spent two seasons with the Winnipeg Blues. After a tough first season, the team showed significant improvement in his second year behind the bench.

 

Gratton says he's excited for the opportunity to coach in The Pas.

 

"It's a great opportunity that everybody wants to win...and the small community is very exciting for me to be a part of....I was ready to move on and take the next step and get that small junior hockey town feel and have that pride in the community is something to work towards." 

 

He describes himself as a structured and disciplined coach.

 

The Josh Gratton era is set to begin on Sept. 18 when the Blizzard host Swan Valley in their home opener.