Leafs take Garret Sparks 190th overall, Max Everson 202nd

by Brian Huddle on June 25, 2011 in Entry Draft - 862 Comments

Guelph Storm goaltender Matej Machovsky makes a save during his first OHL action Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at the Sleeman Centre. The Storm and the Niagara IceDogs battled to a 3-3 exhibition draw. Tony Saxon/Guelph Mercury

A big (6’2, 205lb) technical goaltender for the Allaire System, Sparks played 19 games this past season for the Guelph Storm. Posting a .890 Save Percentage in his first year in the O, Garret played a secondary role in which he showed a calm nature and good rebound control. He’s a project as all sixth rounders are but guys like Rynnas, Scrivens, etc. won’t be around forever with the Marlies; when they do move on, Sparks will hopefully be ready to jump from the OHL to the American League.

Sparks tweeted after his selection:

Dear Maple Leafs,

Thanks for turning my mom into a crying mess. And waking me up from my nap. But seriously, I don’t mind. #bestdayever.

With their 9th and final selection in the 2011 draft, the Leafs drafted their second prospect from a Minnesota high school hockey program in Edina High School defenceman Max Everson. From MN Hockey Prospects:

Plays a responsible defensive game, choosing wisely when to join the offensive rush. Everson transitions well, using his positioning and speed to force opponents to the outside. Everson has demonstrated the keen ability of taking away time and space from the opposition. Has the drive to be a workhorse defenseman and could develop into productive scorer at the next [collegiate] level. Everson continues to improve his coverage in front of the net, but still needs some fine-tuning.

Some tweets from Minnesota High School hockey reporter Ryan S. Clark on both Everson and fifth round pick Tony Cameranesi  courtesy of Burtonboy:

ryan_s_clark Ryan S. Clark
Everson is a good pick. He was a Mr. Hockey candidate here in Minnesota and if its not for an injury, gets more love

ryan_s_clark Ryan S. Clark
Cameranesi was also a Mr. Hockey candidate with a lot of speed, flair and when surrounded by good talent, excitement

ryan_s_clark Ryan S. Clark
Everson will play at Harvard while Cameranesi will be playing at national champion Minnesota-Duluth.

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