© Calgary Flames/Jenn Pierce

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CALGARY — Zayne Parekh is hoping an accelerated approach off the ice can help speed up his arrival time to the NHL with the Calgary Flames.

At the age of 18, the aspiring defenseman successfully obtained his high school diploma at the impressive age of 16. This achievement granted him the opportunity to dedicate all his efforts to hockey, as he played for Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League for the last two seasons.

“I began my academic journey a year ahead, starting with the 2005s. Ever since then, I have consistently been a strong student,” Parekh explained. “When I reached sixth grade, my dad came up with the idea of accelerating my education by skipping seventh grade and directly moving to eighth grade. As a result, I joined the 2004s in that grade level.”

After completing my four-year journey in high school with an excess of credits to graduate, I’ve mostly dedicated my time to playing hockey. For the past two years, my responsibilities have been quite minimal. I am fortunate enough to have the flexibility of waking up around 9 or 9:30 in the morning and heading to the rink for a pre-skating session before everyone else.

In my opinion, it was the most beneficial aspect for my growth and progress. I firmly believe that it will remain extraordinary because I have now become a skilled hockey player.

So far, the decision has proven to be profitable.

During his debut season with Saginaw in 2022-23, Parekh, measuring 6-foot and weighing 179 pounds, achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new OHL record for goals scored by a 16-year-old defenseman. He netted an impressive total of 21 goals in just 50 games. Continuing his outstanding performance, Parekh proceeded to dominate the league in the following season by leading all OHL defensemen in both goals (33) and points (96) across 66 games. This outstanding achievement earned him the prestigious Max Kaminsky Trophy, recognizing him as the league’s top defenseman. Notably, Parekh’s 96 points marked the highest tally by an OHL defenseman since Ryan Ellis accomplished 101 points (24 goals, 77 assists) in the 2010-11 season.

Parekh, who played a crucial role in Saginaw’s victory at the Memorial Cup, was chosen by the Flames as the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He officially joined the team by signing a three-year, entry-level contract on July 5th.

According to Ray Edwards, the Flames’ director of player development, one of the primary reasons for selecting him in the draft was his exceptional sense and hockey IQ. Edwards emphasized that he is an extremely intelligent person who can quickly grasp new concepts. The ability to adapt and make adjustments on the go is an area in which he excels.

Zayne’s focus will primarily be on his physical development, building muscle and increasing strength. Once that aspect is addressed, we can then shift our attention to improving his skills without the puck. We can initiate the teaching process and begin working with him accordingly.

Parekh aspires to become proficient in skating and looks up to two specific players whom he dreams of emulating in the future.

Parekh praised Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar, acknowledging their prowess as masters of deception. He reiterated his admiration for their ability to strategically analyze the game. Parekh expressed his aspirations to reach their level of skating expertise.

I possess a rather capable intellect, and once I master skating to its fullest potential, I believe it will become a formidable weapon.