AHL Toronto Marlies

Marlies Named to 2017-18 AHL All-Star Teams

Published on April 5, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Toronto Marlies News Release


The American Hockey League announced today that Toronto Marlies goaltender Garret Sparks was named to the First Team of the 2017-18 AHL All-Star Team. Forwards Andreas Johnsson (left wing) and Ben Smith (right wing) were named to the Second Team.

Sparks, 24, leads the AHL in GAA (1.81), save percentage (.936) and shutouts (6, tied), appearing in 42 games for the Marlies this season. His record of 30-9-1-1 puts him one off the lead in wins. With his 30th win, Sparks set a franchise record for most wins in a season. Sparks has played 120 games for the Toronto Marlies since 2012, with a record of 79-28-5, with a 2.13 GAA and .927 save percentage. Sparks was named CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month in January. He made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 30, 2015, recording a shutout against the Edmonton Oilers. Sparks was drafted 190th overall in the seventh round by the Maple Leafs in 2011.

Andreas Johnsson, 23, registered 54 points (26 goals, 28 assists) in 54 games with the Marlies, with 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) on the power play. Johnsson represented the Marlies at 2018 AHL All-Star Classic. He was selected the CCM/AHL Player of the Month for February. Johnsson was recalled by the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 31 where he has recorded three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in nine games. Johnsson was drafted 202nd overall in the seventh round by the Maple Leafs in 2013.

Ben Smith, 30, leads the Marlies in goals (27) and points (57) and is 10th in the league in both categories. Smith set a franchise record this season for most game-winning goals (8). The Marlies are 34-6-1-0 when Smith registers a point. He was named Captain of the Marlies on January 3. Smith was drafted 169th overall in the sixth round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008.

The Toronto Marlies are the primary development program for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The current Toronto Maple Leafs roster features 13 players who were developed by the Marlies (Tyler Bozak, Connor Brown, Connor Carrick, Travis Dermott, Jake Gardiner, Zach Hyman, Andreas Johnsson, Nazem Kadri, Kasperi Kapanen, Leo Komarov, Josh Leivo, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly).

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