Zayne Parekh will get the call for Team Canada to report to the World Junior selection camp replacing Kamloops Blazers Harrison Brunicke, who was not medically cleared to participate. Brunicke has been dealing with a fractured wrist since November 10th and has been listed as week-to-week due to the injury.
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.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 6, 2024
Parekh will…
Parekh will now be among the ten defencemen to fight for the seven to eight named to the full roster for the World Junior Championship in Ottawa. Flames fans will be pleased to hear the news after many considered it a significant snub by Hockey Canada to not invite 2024’s ninth-overall pick.
The 19-year-old ranks fourth in scoring among OHL defensemen, recording eight goals and 30 points. He trails fellow Flames prospect Henry Mews, who has 31 points, and Sam Dickinson, the league leader with 45 points and a participant in the selection camp.
Axel Hurtig was named to Team Sweden
Flames prospect Axel Hurtig was named to Team Sweden’s roster, and will represent his country for the first time at the World Juniors. The Calgary Hitmen defender has put up one goal and five points in 25 games this season.
Flames with two potential representatives at the World Juniors
With Parekh joining Team Canada, the Flames could have two representatives at the annual event, following last season’s solo appearance by Sam Honzek, who played for Team Slovakia. This would mark the first time since 2023 that the Flames have sent two prospects to the World Juniors. Looking back, the Flames gained some hardware from their prospects when Connor Zary and Jakob Pelletier won silver with Team Canada in 2021.
