Team Canada Cuts Flames Prospect From World Juniors Roster

Many Calgary Flames fans are familiar with recent ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Zayne Parekh.

After putting up an astounding 96 points in 66 games as a defenseman in the OHL last season, the recent first-rounder has continued with his elite production this year.

With another 34 points in 25 games in his third CHL season, many fans were shocked by his initial omission from invites to camp for Team Canada.

But despite a strong showing at camp, motivated by the snub, Team Canada doubled down and sent him back to the OHL Saginaw Spirit

After a late invite to camp due to some injuries on Canada's blue line, Parekh was determined to make an impact with his opportunity.

"If I outperform some of the players here and don't give the option not to take me, I'll put myself in a good position,” said the eager young defenseman after getting the call to service.

Parekh has seen a ton of success already at every level he's played at. With a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, along with a Memorial Cup, the trophy cases are anything but bare. Despite this success, and other accolades such as CHL all rookie team, and CHL defenseman of the year, it still wasn't enough. The Nobleton, Ont. native was set on making his nation's team and adding to his hardware.

"Every time you step on the ice you have to step on the ice with purpose and compete as hard as you can," emphasized Parekh.

Although he worked as hard as he could and many Canadian fans were wiping their brow in relief that he was added to the invitees, he was cut on Friday along with defenseman Cam Allen.

The decision is already sending waves through the online hockey community, with many calling for answers on some of the players leaving camp, including Andrew Cristall, and Matthew Wood who is having a bounce-back year in the NCAA.

With the holidays and World Juniors right around the corner, Team Canada fans around the world will be hoping to find a gold medal in their stockings. They’ll have to hope these tough cuts don’t lead to lumps of coal.