Sparks back with Leafs' farm team, with lessons learned

Toronto Maple Leafs farmhand Garret Sparks returned to action Saturday after being suspended by the team for making violent and sexist remarks on Facebook.

"It's been a lot to deal with," Sparks said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton. "I understand what I did."

Toronto Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe said what happened was part of the education of a professional athlete. Sparks started for the club Saturday, stopping 27 of 30 shots in a 3-2 loss.

While the Marlies and Leafs believed Sparks' intentions were in the right place, the goaltender acknowledged his mistake and the lessons he learned.

"I should know the difference between what I can and can't say. It's just holding myself to a higher standard of professionalism."