While representing Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh has been lighting up the scoreboard. The 19-year-old defenceman, on loan from the Flames, has emerged as an offensive force from the blue line, leading all tournament defencemen with three goals and adding two assists for five points through his first three outings.
Flames Teammates Offer Mixed Messages of Support
Despite being away from Calgary for nearly three weeks, Parekh has stayed connected with his Flames teammates, receiving a blend of encouragement and good-natured rivalry. Hunter Brzustewicz, a fellow defenceman from Michigan, shared his playful banter. "I texted him and said, 'Hey, good luck,'" Brzustewicz said with a grin. "Obviously, I want him to do well. But I told him, 'I want you guys to not even make it out of the round-robin.'" He quickly acknowledged the unlikelihood of that scenario for the powerhouse Canadian squad.
The friendly wagers extended beyond Brzustewicz. Veteran defenceman MacKenzie Weegar won a bet with Czech forward Adam Klapka thanks to Parekh's performance. Parekh sparked a Canadian comeback with two quick, top-shelf wrist shots in a 7-5 victory over Czechia on Boxing Day, earning player-of-the-game honours. "I bet with Weegs and obviously I lost," Klapka lamented. "I might have to call Zayne to slow down a little bit."
A Confidence Boost at a Crucial Time
Parekh's dominant international play arrives at a perfect moment. His rookie season in Calgary began with challenges, managing just one point in 11 NHL games and being a healthy scratch on five occasions. This tournament success appears to be the spark he needed.
Weegar, who watched the Boxing Day game closely, was quick to send praise. "Those were two really nice shots. Elite shots, for sure," Weegar stated. "I'm looking forward to seeing that with us. I think it will spark him, honestly. I think I know his personality and what he feeds off of and it's that confidence." He noted that Parekh himself admitted it had been a while since he contributed a goal, suggesting this performance has lifted a weight off his shoulders.
Parekh's Pivotal Role for Team Canada
As the tournament heats up with a key New Year's Eve matchup against Finland for top spot in the pool, Parekh's role for Team Canada is undeniable. He is not just scoring; he is logging major minutes, averaging 20:23 of ice time per game and quarterbacking the top power-play unit. His three goals all came on precise, high-caliber shots that found the top corner of the net.
His coaches and teammates will be counting on him to continue being a difference-maker as the medal rounds approach. For the Flames organization and their fans, Parekh's world junior performance is a promising glimpse of the elite offensive talent they hope will soon be on full display back in Calgary.
