Flames' Zayne Parekh speculates reason behind snub from Team Canada's World Juniors camp

Calgary Flames’ ninth pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Zayne Parekh, shared his thoughts about being snubbed from Team Canada’s World Juniors camp.

Appearing on the "Empty Netters" podcast on Wednesday, Parekh noted that during the camp, he struggled significantly with his skating. He explained that he had no edge on his right side, causing him to fall repeatedly whenever he tried to turn.

Despite switching his blades at least six times, the issue persisted, and he felt his performance was understandably poor, leading to his cut from the camp.

"It was a weird feeling," Parekh said. "I think when I did get invited at camp, I actually had no edge on my right the entire camp. Anytime I was trying to turn, I was falling, like, dude, he can't even skate. ... I think I switched my blades at least six times, like it just wasn't changing.

"So, I just kept falling the whole camp. And I wasn't surprised I got cut, to be honest. I couldn't skate up the ice."

Zayne Parekh is confident and prepared to make an impact in NHL

Zayne Parekh grabbed the spotlight after scoring his debut goal in the Calgary Flames’ final game of the season in April, a 5-1 victory over the LA Kings. The 19-year-old became the sixth-youngest defenseman in NHL history to score in a debut game.

Last season, Parekh lacked the experience and time to prepare for showcasing his skills at an elite level. This time, he feels more prepared and confident.

"I didn't have a lot of time last year to prepare for camp, and I was in over my head," Parekh said on July 2 via Sportsnet. "Especially when you're kind of nervous and, [thinking] ‘hopefully I don't mess up or make a mistake,’ you're kind of attracting those thoughts, and it's gonna come.

“So, I think this time around, I'm more confident. I mean, I got a taste at the end, I understand kind of what it takes to play in the NHL. I got a little grasp of it, so hopefully that'll help."

Before making his NHL debut, Parekh amassed 107 points through 33 goals and 74 assists in 64 games with Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.

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About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta