Future Watch: Garret Sparks Hockey Rookie Cards, Toronto – To make it as a goaltender in the NHL, you have to have a great work ethic. Garret Sparks is one such goalie. In 2011 he was drafted with the 190th overall pick (21 picks from the end). When the Toronto Maple Leafs made that selection the odds of him every playing in the NHL were slim.
Now, at the age of 22, he’s a top prospect in the Leafs’ system with a Calder Cup championship on his mind. Having already played 17 games for the Leafs this year he’s ready to tackle the second round of the playoffs with the Toronto Marlies. So far he hasn’t given up a goal in the two games he’s played.
At 6′-2″, 201lbs., his dimensions are what you need to be a successful netminder. Some players are willing to play anywhere, including the lowest levels of the organization to gain playing time and experience. Sparks has done that and now he’s getting a chance to prove himself with all of the Toronto fan-base watching him.
The Elmhurst, Illinois native hasn’t always been a top prospect. That started to break through for him after three years with the Guelph Storm of the OHL (even they drafted him in the 8th round). His mid-season selection to Team USA’s U-20 roster also proved the growing confidence in his potential. He never got to play in the World Junior Championship but he was a part of the gold medal ceremony.
This past November, he picked up goaltender of the week and player of the week honors. This has been a whirlwind year for the backstop and it’s not over yet.
You can pick up different variations of Garret Sparks Young Guns rookie cards in 2015-16 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey. Two other set to find Sparks’ rookie cards are 2015-16 Fleer Showcase and the new Contours set. His Hot Prospects Rookie Autograph from Fleer Showcase, is particularly popular with hockey collectors.
Sparks has a chance to become a full-time NHL goalie someday. Right now he’s living his dream.
Find out more – Garret Sparks Hockeydb.com Player Profile.
Future Watch: Garret Sparks Hockey Rookie Cards, Toronto – Image Gallery
- NFL Future Watch: Demario Douglas Football Cards, New England Patriots - April 18, 2024
- NHL Future Watch: Pavel Mintyukov Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks - April 16, 2024
- MLB Future Watch: Ceddanne Rafaela Baseball Cards, Boston Red Sox - April 12, 2024