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Garret Sparks becomes 1st Maple Leafs goalie to post shutout in NHL debut

Graig Abel / National Hockey League / Getty

It was a memorable night for Garret Sparks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With a 3-0 win over the visiting Edmonton Oilers, the 22-year-old became the first goalie in franchise history to record a shutout in his National Hockey League debut, according to Elias Sports.

Sparks made 24 saves, was named the game's first star for his efforts, and became visibly emotional after being informed of the milestone.

(Courtesy: MapleLeafs.NHL.com)

Drafted 190th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2011 out of the OHL's Guelph Storm, Sparks' debut came sooner than expected, thanks to an injury to James Reimer and the all-around poor play of Jonathan Bernier, who now trails the rookie in wins this season.

"It all went according to plan," Sparks joked after the game, courtesy of David Alter of the National Post. "They've been playing hockey here for a long time, so I think (making team history) is pretty cool."

Before pointing to a late second-period save off a Leon Draisaitl rush as his save of the night, Sparks reflected on what it meant to make his NHL debut in this fashion after developing his game in the ECHL last season.

"If you commit to a goal and see it through and you don't take no for an answer, who knows what can happen?" he said.

He also showed some love for his parents, who were in the stands to witness their son's big night.

"They had to make a lot of sacrifices just to get me through minor hockey and there's been some bumps and bruises along the way," Sparks said, according to TSN's Mark Masters.

"I'll never be able to repay them no matter how much I end up making in the game ... I owe everything to them."

He also gave a shout-out to his fantasy owners.

Following the game, head coach Mike Babcock indicated Sparks will travel with the team to Winnipeg for Wednesday's game against the Jets, and that he will draw the start should Reimer still not be up to the task physically.

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