Insider: Sparks sets mark

November 11, 2019

Welcome to Wolves Insider: the weekly report that gives you the scoop on the 2019 Western Conference champions as they embark on the journey toward the 2020 Calder Cup.

GARRET SPARKS SMASHES SHUTOUT MARK

Goaltender Garret Sparks set the Chicago Wolves scoreless streak record Sunday afternoon in a matchup against the Rockford IceHogs. The 26-year-old Elmhurst native went 191 minutes, 14 seconds without allowing a goal and stopped 115 shots in a row during that stretch.

Sparks’ streak started in the second period on Oct. 23 against Texas and continued with shutouts Oct. 30 at Tucson and Nov. 7 at Iowa. Sparks went more than 34 minutes during Sunday’s game against Rockford without allowing a goal, which allowed him to break the previous record of 173:57 set by Matt Climie in January 2013.

“It’s special any time you can get into an organization’s record book,” Sparks said. “Especially an organization as storied as the Wolves’ and I just really wanted to add my name to the history of this franchise.”

Sparks, who spent all of last season with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, leads the AHL in goals-against average (1.60) and save percentage (.953).

WOLVES GIVING BACK

As Thanksgiving nears, the Wolves continue to help people throughout Chicago at a crucial time of year. At every home game in November, the Wolves are collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items at the doors for the Canned Food Drive that benefits the Common Food Pantry of Chicago and multiple other local pantries.

Additionally, the Wolves also are collecting children’s outerwear at all six November home games for the “Snug Hugs For Kids” Winter Clothing Drive, presented by Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. Preferred items include new or gently used coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, boots, snow pants, socks and sweaters that can fit newborns to 18-year-olds.

CRAFT BEER NIGHTS ARE HERE!

The Wolves are celebrating every weeknight game by throwing a Craft Beer Night celebration for all fans 21 and over. The first two Craft Beer Nights are Nov. 19 and 27, when of-age fans can purchase a ticket and a flight of craft beer for one low price. All Craft Beer Nights will be held in the Budweiser Brew House in the southeast corner of Allstate Arena’s main concourse. To purchase your ticket package, click here.

TOP LINE

LUCAS ELVENES

After being named the AHL’s Rookie of the Month for Oct., the 20-year-old from Angelholm, Sweden has started November hot, too, as he has posted one goal and six assists in five games. Elvenes enters this week leading the AHL with 16 assists and sharing the top spot in points with 21.

 

GARRET SPARKS

On Oct. 30, Sparks recorded his first shutout with the organization when he stopped 32 shots in a 3-0 win at Tucson.  Less than two weeks later, the Elmhurst native set the franchise shutout record as he recorded 191 minutes and 14 seconds without allowing a goal. During this period, Sparks made 115 consecutive saves and led the Wolves to wins against Texas, Tucson and Iowa.

 

DYLAN COGHLAN

Defenseman Dylan Coghlan came out blazing for the Wolves on Sunday, scoring his second goal of the season to give the team a 1-0 lead over the Rockford IceHogs. Coghlan’s goal came on the power play, which was his calling card last year. His 10 power-play goals tied for the most among all AHL rookies.

 

LAST WEEK (1-2-0-0)

SUNDAY, NOV. 10: ROCKFORD 4, (at) CHICAGO 1

• The Wolves and the IceHogs took a 1-1 score into the third period, but Rockford scored the go-ahead goal and then added two empty-net tallies to take the Illinois Lottery Cup contest.
• Defenseman Dylan Coghlan scored on the power play to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead.
• Goaltender Garret Sparks set the franchise record for longest shutout streak at 191 minutes, 14 seconds before allowing two goals on 36 shots.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9: MANITOBA 3, (AT) CHICAGO 0

• Manitoba goaltender Mikhail Berdin posted his second shutout in as many nights as he stopped all 26 Wolves shots Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
• The Wolves played without injured forwards Gage Quinney and Keegan Kolesar and rookie forward Lucas Elvenes saw his AHL-best 11-game point streak come to a close.
• Goaltender Oscar Dansk posted 18 saves in 20 shots.

THURSDAY, NOV. 7: CHICAGO 3, (AT) IOWA 0

• The Wolves wrapped up their five-game road trip by taking down the first-place Wild and producing the team’s third shutout of the season.
• Defenseman Jimmy Schuldt and forwards Tye McGinn and Curtis McKenzie scored goals while Lucas Elvenes extended his league-best point streak to 11 games with two assists.
• Goaltender Garret Sparks stopped 35 shots for his second consecutive shutout.

NEXT FIVE GAMES

 

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