Yahoo Sports Zayne Parekh added to World Junior Training Camp Roster
Calgary Flames first-round pick Zayne Parekh has been added to Canada's World Junior training camp roster.
Last year's CHL defenseman of the year was not part of the initial roster that was released on Monday.
Canada's World Junior camp roster. pic.twitter.com/0iZcq4Rs4Y
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) December 2, 2024
Many online were shaking their heads at Parekh not receiving an invite to camp. Other notable exclusions included Tij Iginla (injured), Beckett Sennecke and Carter Yakemchuk all of whom were first-round picks in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Related: OHL Leads The Way With 16 Players Named to WJC Camp Roster
Parekh's addition comes as a result of the subtraction of Kamloops Blazers defender Harrison Brunicke who will not be available for the tournament due to a fractured wrist.
If he makes the final roster, Parekh will bring his undeniable offensive firepower to the squad. He led all CHL defensemen with 96 points last season and has 30 points in 23 games so far this year.
However, some have questioned Parekh's defensive capabilities. This may be compounded by the fact that the training camp roster does not lack offensive output from the blue line.
Fellow OHL defensemen Matthew Schaefer, Oliver Bonk and Sam Dickinson are all invited to camp as well. All three have shown their flashy offensive upside playing for their respective teams this season.
The late invite means that Parekh now has the opportunity to win his spot on Canada's World Junior Championship roster by impressing Dave Cameron and his staff at camp.
The team will assemble next week in Petawawa to prepare for the tournament which starts on Dec. 26, in Ottawa.
