Canada’s Zayne Parekh Shines as World Juniors Approach

As the World Junior Hockey Championship approaches, Zayne Parekh, a standout defenseman for Team Canada, is poised to make a significant impact. The Calgary Flames player has been working hard to regain his form after an upper-body injury sidelined him in early November.

Zayne Parekh’s Journey to the World Juniors

The 19-year-old from Nobleton, Ontario, received the invitation to join Team Canada from General Manager Craig Conroy. Parekh’s initial response was one of enthusiasm. “They just want me to go have fun and get my groove back,” he shared. This opportunity comes as a boost to Canada’s under-20 program.

Statistics and Performance

While Parekh has registered only one assist in 11 NHL games this season, his exceptional talent has been evident at Canada’s training camp. His impressive statistics from the previous season highlight his offensive prowess:

• 33 goals and 107 points with the Saginaw Spirit in 2024-25
• Led all Canadian Hockey League defensemen in points
• Selected ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft

Parekh became just the second defenseman in Ontario Hockey League history to achieve consecutive 30-goal seasons, following the legendary Bobby Orr.

Expectations for the Tournament

Alan Millar, General Manager of Canada’s World Junior setup, has high expectations for Parekh. He stated that Parekh’s role will extend beyond just power play duties. “We need him in more situations than just power play,” Millar emphasized.

In comparison to last year, Canada struggled offensively. They managed only 13 goals in five games and failed to reach the medal round. With injury issues impacting their roster, Parekh’s skills could be essential to improving Canada’s performance.

Insights from Teammates

Parekh’s unique personality and composure under pressure have caught the attention of his teammates. “He’s just so calm and so smooth,” said Canadian star forward Gavin McKenna. Another teammate, Cole Beaudoin, praised his offensive capabilities, stating, “You can see he’s played in the NHL. He’s got confidence in his game.”

Despite the high stakes of international competition, Parekh plans to approach the tournament with a level head. “It’ll just be another game for me,” he noted. With his remarkable journey and impressive skills, Zayne Parekh is certainly one to watch as Team Canada seeks redemption in this year’s tournament, starting with their match against Czechia on December 26 in Minneapolis.