In the entire history of the National Hockey League, only two players born in the state of Idaho have ever laced up their skates. Vancouver Giants winger Tyus Sparks is now on a mission to become the third, turning heads in the Western Hockey League with a breakout sophomore season that has put him firmly on the NHL's radar.
A Breakout Season on the West Coast
The 17-year-old from Meridian, Idaho, has been a revelation for the Giants this year. Through 33 games, Sparks has already netted 12 goals, putting him on a trajectory to score 25 this season. This marks a significant leap from his rookie campaign in 2024-25, where he tallied 11 goals in 53 games. His powerful one-timer has become a particular weapon, especially on the Giants' first power-play unit.
"He has definitely taken a big step forward this year," commented an NHL scout who follows the WHL closely. "I think most people were expecting him to be more of a depth guy this season rather than a go-to offensive player. He's shown some real scoring ability though, and he has legitimate skill. He's certainly played himself onto the draft radar."
A Unique Hockey Path from Idaho
Sparks's journey to the WHL is not a conventional one. Growing up in a football-centric family in Idaho, his introduction to hockey came at age four while visiting relatives in Minnesota, where he saw cousins playing shinny on a frozen basketball court. The sport captivated him instantly.
His development involved long commutes and dedication. He played minor hockey with the Idaho Jr. Steelheads but also traveled frequently to British Columbia to compete on spring and travel teams, including the Fraser Valley Sturgeon. This connection to the Lower Mainland was bolstered by extended family in the area and his father's own history there. Nate Sparks was a backup quarterback to Damon Allen on the 2000 Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions, a team recently inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
"It was a lot of 10-hour car rides to get him to places where he was going to play," Nate Sparks chuckled, recalling the family's commitment. "It was a lot of hustle."
Following a Thin Historical Trail
The historical precedent for Idaho natives in the NHL is remarkably sparse. Defenceman Pat Shea from Potlatch was the first, playing 10 games for the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1931-32 season. Centre Guyle Fielder, also from Potlatch, managed nine NHL games, the last coming in 1957-58. Fielder is far better known for his legendary 22-season career in the professional Western Hockey League.
This context makes Sparks's potential path all the more notable. Selected eighth overall by Vancouver in the 2023 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft, the 6-foot, 182-pound right-winger spent his 16-year-old season split between teams in Illinois and California before joining the Giants full-time. He credits increased comfort and confidence for his offensive surge.
"I feel like I'm able to skate with the puck more. I feel like I'm able to use my body," Sparks explained. He also benefits from chemistry with longtime teammate and Giants defenceman Ryan Lin; the pair first played together at the prestigious Brick Invitational tournament in Edmonton when they were just 10 years old.
While the dream of pro hockey is coming into focus, his father Nate offers a grounded perspective. "It could still be a stretch. It's possible that he gets drafted, but that doesn't mean that the road is short to get to the promised land. There's a still lot to do in between to make it there."
For now, Tyus Sparks continues to hone the shot he's practiced "in my garage for as long as I can remember," aiming to add a new, modern chapter to Idaho's brief hockey history.
