Podcast Experts | Radio That Doesn't Suck Inc.
Podcast Experts | Radio That Doesn't Suck Inc.
Podcast Experts | Radio That Doesn't Suck Inc.
CWOIM #BOTB 2019 Brian McGrattan Vanessa James Elimination Interview
14 minutes Posted Oct 8, 2019 at 7:39 am.
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Show notes
Chuck Bastie interviews former NHL hockey player and skater Brian McGrattan and skater Vanessa James as they say goodby to Battle Of The Blades for 2019. They also discuss the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) as Brian's charity of choice, and Alzheimer Society of Canada as Vanessa's charity of choice!
Brian McGrattan is competing with Vanessa James. He is skating for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society.
Brian McGrattan began his hockey career as a minor league player in Hamilton, Ontario. He was known as the top scorer on his team, which helped him catch the attention of the Ontario Hockey League in 1997. He played five seasons on multiple teams, scoring a staggering 21 goals in only 31 games between 2000/2001.
McGrattan made his NHL debut in 2005 as a top enforcer for the Ottawa Senators, and made a name for himself as one of the best enforcers in the league. After being traded in 2008 to the Phoenix Coyotes, McGrattan struggled with substance abuse which required the NHL superstar to seek rehabilitation that would change his life for the better. McGrattan later returned to hockey with a new outlook on life, and returned to the Calgary Flames where he became a positive influence amongst his team. McGrattan moved on to play overseas with the Nottingham Panthers in England where he retired as a hockey player in 2017.
Although McGrattan retired, he never abandoned hockey completely, taking on a position as the director of player assistance for the Flames providing mentorship to players in need.
McGrattan is competing with Vanessa James as his partner. He is skating for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society — a charity that works towards helping find shelter for homeless animals in Alberta communities.For more information about about Vanessa's charity of choice, go to https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home
Vanessa James is competing with Brian McGrattan. She is skating for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Figure skater Vanessa James was born in Scarborough, Ontario. After a trip to the skating rink as a young girl, James and her twin sister, Melyssa, fell in love with figure skating and began skating at the age of 11.
James went on to become a pairs skater for France. She is now a six-time French pairs champion, 2018 Grand Prix champion, 2018 World bronze medallist, and most recently the 2019 European champion with her partner Morgan Ciprès. James is the first active figure skater to compete in the Battle of the Blades competition while actively working towards World and Olympic titles.
She is a fan favourite, winning over crowds with her warm and engaging personality. Her 2018 season was one of her most successful, winning gold medals in virtually every competition her and her partner entered.
James is competing with Brian McGrattan as her partner. She is skating for the Alzheimer Society of Canada — a charity that works towards making life easier for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias while working towards advancing research, treatment and finding a cure.
For more information about Brian's charity of choice, go to https://aarcs.ca/
For more information about CBC's Battle Of The Blades and Vanessa's profile, go to https://www.cbc.ca/television/battleoftheblades/skaters/vanessa-james-1.5274366
For more information about CBC's Battle Of The Blades and Brian's profile, go to https://www.cbc.ca/television/battleoftheblades/skaters/brian-mcgrattan-1.5274334
To reach Chuck, email him at chuckbastie@gmail.com, or phone the Listen UP Talk Radio contact line at 1-866-269-6155!
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