Sparks Named MeiGray Group ECHL Alumnus of the Month
December 3, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL) News Release
PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Orlando Solar Bears' goaltender Garret Sparks is The MeiGray Group ECHL Alumnus of the Month for November.
The leading distributor of game- worn hockey jerseys and "Official Game-Worn Jersey Source of the ECHL," MeiGray has sold more than 7,000 jerseys since it became "The Official Game-Worn Jersey Source of the ECHL" in 2002-03.
The 22-year-old made his NHL?debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 30, stopping all 24 shots he faced in a 3-0 win against Edmonton. He became the first goaltender in Maple Leafs' team history to record a shutout in his NHL?debut. During November, Sparks appeared in seven American?Hockey League games with the Toronto Marlies, posting a record of 6-0-1 with two shutouts, a 1.39 goals-against average and a save percentage of .952.
A native of Elmhurst, Ill., Sparks appeared in 46 games with the Solar Bears over the previous two seasons with an overall record of 25-13-3 with six shutouts, a 2.45 goals-against average and a save percentage of ..932. Last season, he was led the ECHL?with a .936 save percentage while finishing second in the league with five shutouts and third with a 2.34 goals-against average.
Sparks has appeared in 37 career AHL games with?Toronto where he is 22-8-6 with three shutouts, a 2.30 goals-against average and a save percentage of .924.
There have been 580 players who have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL including 11 who have made their debut in 2015-16. The ECHL has had 388 players reach the NHL since 2002-03 when it changed its focus to become the primary developmental league for the NHL and the AHL. The ECHL had 97 players reach the NHL in its first 10 seasons and 215 in the first 15 years. There have been 324 ECHL players who have played their first game in the last 11 seasons for an average of more than 29 per year.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
MONTH PLAYER ECHL TEAM(s) NHL TEAM
October Mike Condon Ontario Reign/Wheeling Nailers Montreal Canadiens
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