New Goalie lifts Las Vegas

Jimmy Spratt

Jimmy Spratt

LAS VEGAS , NV . – It’s been a bumpy ride for the Chesterfield, Michigan native, but right now it’s a ride worth taking.   Jimmy Spratt sounds very cool and calm as he discussed his current adventures with the Las Vegas Wranglers.  
 
Spratt was playing in Louisiana for the IceGators of the SPHL, when he got the call. Las Vegas’ goaltender Joel Gistedt had been called up and Michael Ouzas was injured, putting Coach Ryan Mougenel in a tight spot.
 
“I guess I just fell into the spot”, Spratt said about the timing.   He didn’t mind. The Ice Gators were struggling, so he decided this was a new opportunity.  
 
Now Spratt is working to make the opportunity last.   He’s helped the Wranglers keep in the middle of a tight race for a playoff position in the Pacific Division.   With only Idaho guaranteed a playoff position so far, in the National Conference, the other seven teams are within seven points of one another, for the final six seeds; and less than seven games to go. It’s bound to be a photo finish at this rate.  
Spratt makes the save

Spratt makes the save


 
Spratt has appeared in 11 games since joining the Wranglers in mid-February and has a 6-2-1-1 record, with 2.80 goals against average and a .919 save percentage, including a single shut-out.  
 
Spratt’s love of hockey goes back to his youth in Chesterfield Michigan, when he began skating at four and playing in organized sports at age five.   He knew he wanted to be a goalie, and since he had watched his dad play in local leagues as he grew up, he followed his footsteps. “I just really liked the game and figured it was something I would like to do as long as I can.”
 
In 2002–05, Spratt played with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.   Over the three seasons, he posted a combined five shutouts, 2.8 goals against average and a .911 save percentage in 94 total games.   He also appeared in 20 playoff games.
 
“We had a pretty good season in Sioux City the year before the 2004 draft,” Spratt recalled.   He was drafted by Calgary in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft in the seventh round.   “That was pretty exciting.”
He decided to complete college first, and attended the next four years at Bowling Green State University. Spratt posted 3.44 goals against average, with an .882 save percentage in 100 games.
Jimmy Spratt

Jimmy Spratt

In 2009-10, still sporting his BGSU mask emblazed with matching falcons on either side, and the brown and orange pads, Spratt found himself trying out for the Johnstown Chiefs, then after he was cut early in the season, he returned home.  
Once he got to Las Vegas, Spratt seemed to be the prefect fit in their time of need. In mid-March Spratt was named the Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week, following four solid games including three against the first place division Bakersfield Condors.
Spratt’s 6’ 1” size and 185 pound frame provides some help in the net.   He’s athletic and has a competitive nature; though he could use some help with stopping the puck from creating negative rebounding positions.
Spratt has hit some minor speed bumps of late, since starting out so well, he hasn’t had a win in regulation in his last three appearances. Spratt said he doesn’t dwell on the past games, “It happens, and then you have to bounce back.” He said he puts those games behind him and learns from the lessons they’ve taught.
Off the ice, Spratt is an avid baseball fan. He follows the Detroit Tigers closely and tries to attend as many games as possible.   Since arriving in Las Vegas, he said he hasn’t gone out much, because he’s been concentrating on keeping ready for games. “I’m here to play hockey, not have fun.   I’ve done a little bit of stuff here, but mostly hockey.”  
Jimmy Spratt

Jimmy Spratt

Spratt enjoys listing to classic rock and early 1990’s hip-hop music. One might say there’s a huge difference between the two. He just chucked. “I guess you could consider me a hippie when it comes to music.”   He doesn’t do anything crazy or out of the ordinary on game days like some athletes.   It’s “just the normal pre-game skate, a meal, a nap, and then to the rink early. If I get on a roll, then I might do the same things I did before; but it’s really no big deal.”
Spratt has a few chances left in the regular season to tune up his skills in the net and showcase his skill set for the Wranglers in post season. With only five games left and the playoff race heating up, t he Wranglers are 31-28-4-4 with 70 points.   Following Fridays’ loss in a shootout to Stockton, they are in the final playoff position for the National Conference.
The Wranglers face the Thunder again tonight and Sunday in Stockton, then head home to face the currently last place Ontario Reign on Thursday.
 
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com

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