Leafs’ goalie breaks down in happy tears after historic debut

Toronto Maple Leafs’ netminder Garret Sparks was overcome with emotion Monday night after earning a shutout in his NHL debut.

Sparks, who a year ago was playing with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, was called up by the big club Saturday from his current stint with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

READ MORE: Maple Leafs rookie Garret Sparks makes rapid ascent from ECHL to NHL

The 22-year-old stopped 24 shots – including a diving stick save in the third period – en route to a shutout of the Edmonton Oilers who are still without Connor McDavid. It was the first shut out in nearly a year for any Leafs’ goalie.

Sparks also became the first Maple Leafs goalie to record a shutout in their debut.

“I can’t describe it,” Sparks told the crowd about how his debut felt.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I can't describe it," Sparks told the crowd about how his debut felt.

That’s when the interviewer asked him if he knew about his record-setting debut and all his emotions came flooding out.

Lowering his head, Sparks appeared to sob for a moment before forcing out a “thank you.” The broadcast then showed Sparks’ proud parents in the crowd, looking on with tears of joy.

WATCH: Garret Sparks discusses record-setting debut following game

READ MORE:  Sparks shines in NHL debut as Maple Leafs blank Oilers

Head coach Mike Babcock confirmed after the game that Sparks is expected to start the team’s next game in Winnipeg, unless starter James Reimer is healthy.

“Good for the kid,” said Babcock. “Life’s about opportunity and how you respond to that opportunity, obviously he must have some swagger about him, some confidence. He played well, we got a win.”