It appears that Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh will have a chance to suit up for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship after all.
Parekh was one of the most surprising snubs left off the camp invites list earlier in the week, but, as per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, has been added as a replacement for the injured Harrison Brunicke.
Quick update on Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp roster for next week in Ottawa: Kamloops Blazer defenceman Harrison Brunicke (PIT) will not be medically cleared to participate so Saginaw Spirit blueliner Zayne Parekh (CGY) will replace him at the camp.
Parekh will…
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 6, 2024
Fans in Calgary figured that Parekh would be a lock for this team, as he is one of the most talented defencemen throughout the CHL. The 18-year-old was selected ninth overall by the Flames in this year’s draft after a ridiculous 33 goals and 96 points in just 66 games with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.
Parekh’s totals have been a bit quieter so far this season compared to last, though he still sits with 30 points through just 23 games. That point-per-game pace is only expected to improve as the year goes on, too.
The issue with Parekh, and the reason he was likely snubbed, is that he is rather one-dimensional. While his offensive abilities are elite, he still has plenty of ways to go in terms of developing the defensive side of his game. These types of players can be perceived as high risk, and are ones that Hockey Canada often stays away from at these types of events.
More to come…
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