Calgary Flames' Zayne Parekh reveals reason behind his exit from Team Canada's World Juniors Camp

After being picked as ninth overall pick of Calgary Flames in the 2024 NHL draft, Zayne Parekh, opened up on being snubbed from Team Canada's World Juniors camp.

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

In a conversation with the Empty Netters podcast, Parekh said that during the camp, he struggled so much with his skating. He explained that he had no chance on his right side, which caused him to fall repeatedly whenever he tried to make a turn.

Even after switching his blades for at least six times, the issue did not get solved, he noted that his performance was poor, leading to his exit from the camp.

It was a weird feeling," Parekh said. "I think when I did get invited to 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 confident make an impact in NHL

Zayne Parekh was in the news after scoring his debut goal in the Calgary Flames' final game of the season against LA Kings in April. The 19-year-old became the sixth-youngest defenseman to score in a debut game in NHL history.

In the last season, he lacked experience and time to prepare for showcasing his skills at the top level. This time, he is confident enough to make an impact.

"I didn't have a lot of time last year to prepare for camp, and I was in over my head. 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," Parekh said via Sportsnet.

"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," he added.

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