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Flames prospect Zayne Parekh cut from Canada’s World Juniors roster
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Photo credit: ©Tav Morisson-Oilers Nation
Ryan Pike
Dec 13, 2024, 18:02 ESTUpdated: Dec 13, 2024, 18:06 EST
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Bad news, everybody. Hockey Canada announced its roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship tournament on Friday afternoon. Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh was not on that roster.
A star blueliner with the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit, Parekh was initially left off Canada’s selection camp roster altogether, but he was a late invite as a substitute for Kamloops Blazers defender Harrison Brunicke, who missed the camp due to injury. Canada had 10 defenders in camp and are bringing eight with them to the tournament. Parekh was one of two defenders cut from the selection camp roster, along with Cameron Allen.
The eight defencemen heading to the tournament are:
  • Beau Akey – Barrie Colts (OHL), a 2023 second-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers
  • Oliver Bonk – London Knights (OHL), a 2023 first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers
  • Sam Dickinson – London Knights (OHL), a 2024 first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks
  • Andrew Gibson – Soo Greyhounds (OHL), a 2023 second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings (subsequently traded to Nashville)
  • Tanner Molendyk – Saskatoon Blades (WHL), a 2024 first-round pick of the Nashville Predators
  • Sawyer Mynio – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL), a 2023 third-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks
  • Caden Price – Kelowna Rockets (WHL), a 2023 third-round pick of the Seattle Kraken
  • Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters (WHL), a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft
It goes without saying that the Canadian national junior team is an incredibly competitive team and really difficult to make. But it’s natural to be a bit disappointed that a player of Parekh’s calibre wasn’t included. He was selected by the Flames ninth overall at the 2024 NHL Draft after a season where he dominated the OHL offensively, posting 33 goals and 96 points over 66 games. He led the Spirit to a Memorial Cup championship and was named the top defenceman in both the OHL and all of Canadian major-junior hockey.
As a 2006 birthday, Parekh remains eligible for the 2026 World Juniors. Through 25 games this season he has 10 goals and 34 points.
The 2025 World Juniors run Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Ottawa. Sweden’s Axel Hurtig, a member of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, will be the lone Flames prospect competing at this year’s event.

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