Left-winger Norm Gratton played over 200 games on for different clubs in the 70s. He was a decent scorer who saw duty on the powerplay but did not have the impact expected of him after a stellar amateur career.
Born in La Salle, Quebec, Gratton played junior B for Thetford Mines before joining the powerful Montreal Junior Canadiens. After helping the squad win consecutive Memorial Cups in 1969 and 1970, he was chosen 11th overall b the New York Rangers. The young winger spent most of his first two pro seasons with the CHL's Omaha Knights well receiving one summons from the parent club. In 1971-72 he scored 32 goals for the Knights and was named to the CHL second all-star team.
In June 1972 Gratton was claimed in the Expansion Draft by the Atlanta Flames. He was enjoying a decent rookie season in 1972-73 before he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres for Butch Deadmarsh. Gratton was a useful third liner on the Sabres and was often teamed with Peter McNab and Steve Atkinson. Late in the 1974-75 season he was part of the package sent to the Minnesota North Stars for centre Fred Stanfield. Gratton scored 14 goals in less than half a season with his new club. He started slowly the next season and was demoted to the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL. The once promising career of Gratton ended when he hung up his skates after playing 52 games for the Maine Nordiques of the North American League in 1976-77.
