Ice Hockey: Brad Gratton wowed by Capitals potential

In an exclusive interview with the Evening News, the experienced former player admitted that the attraction of coaching at Murrayfield had tipped the balance in Edinburgh's favour.

And the ambitious Gratton said: "I'm looking forward to guiding Edinburgh to a successful season."

The 40-year-old former Cardiff Devils, Stretham Redskins and Chelmsford Chieftains centre finished his playing career with the Huntsville Tornado of the Central Hockey League in 2000-01 season. And the Ontario-born forward, who has also played in Germany and Austria, said: "I'm very excited to have Scott Neil and Edinburgh giving me this opportunity to coach."

He acknowledged that the Capitals have traditionally iced a player/coach until last season when Doug Christiansen was injured in the first period of the first game.

But Gratton believes the player and coaching roles can clash.

"I think that it will be good for the club to make a change. As a coach there are more things you see than you can when you are playing and trying to tech a team can be very difficult.

"I think you will start seeing a change in bringing in coaches instead of player coaches."

Gratton spent three years in the Austrian Elite Division playing 71 games and scoring 37 goals and collecting 76 assists.

He has also spent a year in Germany and Italy and had four National Hockey League trials as well as attending a Team Canada Junior camp. His coaching CV includes nine years in the professional leagues in North America and a year coaching in the Danish Elite League.

He was once awarded a Coach of the Year title and has worked with NHL, American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League players on strength and conditioning.

Gratton also specialises on rearing raw, local talent and hosts hockey clinics for 10 to 17-year-olds on and off the ice.

He revealed: "I had some offers in other countries but this one attracted me the most.

"Scott and I have had some long talks on how we are going to build a strong team and I liked what he had to offer me.

"I also liked how we were going to change the direction of the team."

Gratton was particularly attracted by moves to boost the club's junior programme and in the development of fresh, young talent.

He added: "Teams in Europe are running very good junior programmes and are developing players to one day ice for the Elite team in their area and I see no reason why this can't happen in Edinburgh. I'm looking forward to meeting and bringing a strong team together that the fans will like to see."

Gratton admitted he wants a team built on speed but he also wants it to be big and hard-hitting. He added: "I want an aggressive team that is hard to play against.

"Our team will be in good condition and no team will have it easy when they play us."

The message, from Neil and Gratton, to the fans and sponsors is simple: "Have a good summer and be ready for an exciting year in Edinburgh."