Sparks Flies Off the Rails? (HT)

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Halifax Times
Sparks Flies Off the Rails?
Written by Todd Ripley

Hello again readers, today in sports news there is some trouble afoot for your Halifax 21st. The team has been on a good run as of late with hope to contend for a playoff spot. However, in recent weeks there has been reportedly locker room drama concerning team discipline and the special team units' efficiency. In their last two contests Halifax's powerplay was able to course correct and go a really solid 3 for 11. The concern comes in when the penalty kill only makes a stop just 3 of 7 attempts down a man. That said it is a good sign to see that two-game total down to a seven, so overall a mixed bag on these fronts.

The main thing that sunk our 21st is goaltending these two nights. Igor Vezina took the net for Halifax in both contests and only managed to stop 46 pucks on 55 shots against for a save percentage of 0.836. To say the least it wasn't the best that we are used to from Vezina but it's not all his fault. Igor had started the previous two games for his team and played pretty well. The problems came when it was reported that Ash Sparks, the team's star goaltender, was reportedly suffering from a strained groin. Many fans have speculated as to origin of the injury, but the team released the following statement after the win against the Philadelphia Reapers. 

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"We have concluded an internal investigation into Sparks's activities outside of the usual team functions and determined he did not violate any team rules. Our medical staff will continue to monitor how he progresses over the next few days. He will be suited up for our next couple contests. As for whether or not he gets the starts remains to be seen. We are taking this day to day. He is the heart and soul of this team so even having him behind the bench will be a hug boost for our players and staff."

When asked what actually cause the injury, the Head Coach had this to say: "Ash is a smart kid but like many of us he likes to have fun, he went out on the water to do some off-day fishing and took a dive which we have determined was unintentional. He is a big-bodied guy and once he started going over the railing it was going to be tough to stop him. Luckily this isn't worse, and we are just hoping to get him back on the ice where he belongs. We told him he should stick to the frozen water from now on."

Here at the Halifax Times, we wish Ash a speedy recovery and hope to see him continuing his dominance in the VHLM. Thanks for reading.


473 words
week ending 10/2
 

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