logo
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
World Juniors: Zayne Parekh sets single tournament record for most points by a Canadian defenceman
alt
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ryley Delaney
Jan 5, 2026, 19:15 EST
Comments
What a tournament it’s been for Zayne Parekh.
While the Calgary Flames’ top prospect won’t be taking home the gold medal, settling for the bronze medal instead, it’s been a successful individual tournament for the right-shot defenceman. 
Entering Monday’s bronze medal game, Parekh was sitting on 11 points, just one shy of matching and two shy of breaking the record for most points for a Team Canada defenceman in a single game. With a snipe late in the first period, he tied Alex Pietrangelo (2010) and Bryan McCabe (1995)’s record for most points for a defenceman in a Canadian uniform.
Early in the second period, Parekh surpassed that record, as he picked up a secondary assist on Porter Martone’s sixth goal of the tournament after a pinch along the wall, surpassing the record.
Parekh finished the tournament with six goals and seven assists, with his 13 points now sitting second. The defenceman with the most points in tournament history belongs to Rasmus Andersson’s father, Peter, who scored four goals and 14 points in seven games back in 1985.
On top of finishing with the second-most points in tournament history, Parekh also finished the tournament tied for the second-most goals for a defenceman in a single tournament, alongside Jan Vopat. The all-time record belongs to Finnish defenceman Juha Jyrkkiö, who had seven in 1977, the first official World Junior tournament.
Parekh had a stronger tournament than several notable defencemen. Take for example, Erik Karlsson, who is widely considered one of the best offensive defencemen of the 21st century. The Swede scored just two goals and nine points in six games during the 2009 World Junior Championship. 
Other NHL defencemen that Parekh surpassed are Thomas Chabot, Ryan Ellis, Erik Johnson, P.K Subban, Jacob Trouba, Zach Werenski, Kevin Shattenkirk, Cale Makar, and countless others.
With Parekh turning 20 years old in February, he’ll be ineligible for the 2027 World Junior tournament, thus ending his international career as a junior. It’s unclear what happens next for the 19-year-old, as he could return to Calgary or be sent back down to the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for FlamesNation, Oilersnation, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code FLAMESNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)

News

Breaking News