Zayne Parekh confidently predicted his next move to his friend and teammate Michael Hage before Canada’s clash with Finland on New Year’s Eve at the men’s world junior hockey championship in Minneapolis. The skilled defenseman delivered on his promise by scoring low to the blocker side shortly after, showcasing his playmaking skills with a precise breakaway pass to Tij Iginla for the pivotal goal in a 7-4 win that secured Canada’s top position in Group B and set up a quarterfinal matchup against Slovakia.
Hailing from Nobleton, Ontario, the 19-year-old, who has seen ice time with the Calgary Flames this season, possesses exceptional talent both on and off the ice. Parekh stands out for his authenticity in a sport known for its traditional norms, expressing his true self openly in various situations. When asked about his candid interactions with the media, Parekh emphasized the importance of showcasing personality to enhance the game’s appeal and rejected conforming to a robotic demeanor common among NHL players.
At the world juniors, Parekh has been a standout performer, sharing the tournament’s point lead with eight points, the highest among defensemen. His impressive performance is reminiscent of Ryan Ellis in 2011, marking the most points by a Canadian defenseman in the preliminary round. Hage, who has known Parekh since their days at Toronto-area rinks, described him as laid-back and supportive, bringing levity to intense game moments and fostering a positive team environment.
Despite his easygoing nature, assistant coach Brad Lauer highlighted Parekh’s strong work ethic and determination as Canada aims to reach the semifinals after recent fifth-place finishes. Head coach Dale Hunter commended Parekh’s freedom within the team’s system to utilize his skills effectively, emphasizing the importance of balancing individual flair with team strategy.
After a successful junior career, including two 30-goal seasons with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Parekh faced challenges in his NHL stint with limited playing time and a mid-season injury. Eager to regain his form, he views the world juniors as an opportunity to reignite his professional career and showcase his capabilities on a global stage. Despite being cut from last year’s Canadian roster, Parekh is relishing his current experience, expressing gratitude for the rejuvenating impact it has had on his passion for the game.
Looking ahead to the quarterfinal showdown with Slovakia, Parekh and his teammates are prepared to face a talented opponent hungry for success. Slovakian head coach Peter Fruhauf highlighted the team’s unity and commitment, emphasizing the need to push beyond comfort zones to achieve victory. As the tournament progresses, the excitement grows for players like Michael Misa, who celebrates his teammate Macklin Celebrini’s selection to the Canadian Olympic roster, recognizing his remarkable progression and success in professional hockey.