As a Flames fan, there hasn’t been much to cheer about this season. From a franchise-worst start to the season to a lack of direction in no man’s land, it’s been tough sledding for the C of Red.
That changed last night with Team Canada’s first game against Czechia, in which Zayne Parekh played hero and showed everyone yet again why he was a steal with the ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Parekh’s season so far powerde
After making the Flames out of training camp, Parekh was a constant healthy scratch before suffering an injury that would keep him out of the lineup since November 7th. The Flames preached development with Parekh in his first “full” NHL season, but limited him to less than fifteen minutes of average ice time a night and only recently promoted him to the first power play unit.
Parekh’s game is raw and has some defensive efforts that need to be shored up, but exposing him to more of this early on in his career will help him fully develop into the number one defenceman they projected him to be.
Last night in Minnesota, he showed just what that could look like in the future.
Parekh is King
As the team’s power play quarterback, Parekh was given ample amount of opportunity to showcase his skills.
He did more than just that.
With Canada relinquishing their 2-1 lead in the second period, Parekh stepped up with his first goal of the night with an absolute laser.
This seeing-eye shot was the talk of social media last night, being almost effortless but equally as skillful. Not many people can do this as easily as Parekh can.
His second goal was just as nice as his first, coming early in the third period on the power play.
To retake the lead, Parekh showcased why his lead role on a power play is the right choice for everyone.
Player of the Game
Now, Canada would lose their lead shortly after this, but would go on to win 7-5. Parekh was named player of the game and really gave it to Hockey Canada for cutting him from the team last season.
In just one game, Parekh has shown the same promise that had Flames fans excited for his first NHL season earlier this year. When the tournament is over, surely Parekh will be back with the Flames, and hopefully, the confidence will help kickstart his NHL career.
Last night was the perfect reason to buy a ton of Parekh stock immediately.
