TSN reported last night that the Toronto Maple Leafs have suspended AHL net minder Garret Sparks indefinitely for violating team policy. Specifically, Sparks is believed to have used “violent and sexist language toward a user in an online group.”
Sparks has not appeared in a game this season for the Leafs and because of injury has been limited to just four appearances for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. For the Marlies, the 23-year-old goalie has won three of his starts and has a GAA of 2.02 with a Save % of 0.918.
The 2011 seventh-round draft choice made his NHL debut last season for the Leafs, starting 17 contests and finishing with a 3.02 GAA and a Save % of 0.893.
Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated there is no timetable for Sparks’ return but the situation will be reevaluated next week.
Should the Leafs need to recall a goalie from the AHL for any reason during Sparks’ suspension, it would likely be Antoine Bibeau who gets the call. Bibeau, the Leafs sixth-round choice in 2013, is 6 – 4 – 3 with a GAA of 2.50 and a Save % of 0.908 for the Marlies.
Complete BS, it was neither violent (not much) nor sexist. On top of that from what I saw the target was an Internet bully that was picking on a special needs individual. Today’s PC society wants everyone to be a bunch of gutless pussies. Screw them and screw the Leafs. Maybe that’s why they haven’t won a cup in 50 years, they are happy with their participation medals.
Definitely seems to be an overreaction (granted I haven’t seen the comments). A fine by the team, alright, but an indefinite suspension? For some online comments? Come on.