The road to Toronto for Garret Sparks has been slow and bumpy since the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. But then being picked in the 7th round and 190th overall doesn't really say "instant success" !! With his appearance last night Sparks became the first ever goalie drafted by the Leafs in the seventh round to play in an NHL game. Before him were Jan Chovan (2001), Vladimir Kulikov (1999) and Dan Follett (1993). After 4 seasons in the AHL and 2 trips down to the ECHL Mr Sparks debuted in style becoming the first Maple Leaf goalie in 99 years to record a shutout in their first appearance. Here is his 2015-16 CTNW rookie.
Randy Exelby's NHL debut and career were shorter than those of both Sparks and Jensen. He played his first pro season with the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the AHL in 1987-88 and 1988-89 Exelby had taken the league by storm. In his second year as a pro he was named the AHL's top goaltender, winning the "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award, thanks to 31 wins and 2.98 GAA. He also shared the Hap Holmes trophy, for fewest goals against, with teammate Francois Gravel. The highlight of Exelby's dream 1988-89 season however was his first, and last, call up to the NHL Habs as Patrick Roy was out with tonsillitis. Exelby backed up Brian Hayward until Hayward came down with the flu and Roy came back to action early. Exelby was back up to Roy for a game in Buffalo, but Roy was medicated and frequently hydrating, so much so that he needed to go to the bathroom. Exelby had to go into the game, his stint lasted all of three minutes during which he faced one shot.. He would never play again in the NHL and never had an official card produced. Here is my tribute to a true "relief" goalie.
Thanks to my loyal eBay customer onegumper for his nudge on Jensen.
You can purchase these cards, or any of my Missing Link creations, for $10 each postpaid, or $7.95 for 3 or more. Email me at: [email protected], volume discounts available on larger orders.