[News] With the 9th OA pick, Flames select D Zayne Parekh

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Tacoman

I don't think we can expect a big improvement in points. Last year was already outrageous for a defenseman. This year should be about developing the rest of his game without giving up on the offense.

Also, Saginaw loaded up last year as part of their run to the Memorial Cup. Some of those players are gone.

[Wastedyouth]

If Parekh is going to become a better defender, his offensive stats will suffer.

And I am ok with that!

[HighLifeMan]

Not sure how accurate this is, but there are rumors that Parekh may be looking at a long term suspension for "spearing" a fan?

https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-tea...ension-looming

On his way to the ice and toward the locker room, it was reported that Parekh jabbed a fan with his stick. Since then, that incident has become the focal point of much attention, especially as far as possible disciplinary action.

[The Fonz]

Nice! Takes swagger to spear a fan

[Tbull8]

Would not be surprised if the "fan" said something racist to illicit that sort of reaction from him. If so, take the suspension but I won't really hold it against him. He's still a kid, fans need to relax

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Would not be surprised if the "fan" said something racist to illicit that sort of reaction from him. If so, take the suspension but I won't really hold it against him. He's still a kid, fans need to relax

Yeah, I am sure Parekh doesn't just go around spearing fans for nothing. A racist comment wouldn't be shocking, and for sure it must have been something really rude at the very least meant to antagonize him. He's been around the game a long time, so things like "you suck" probably aren't going to get to him.

[tony-soprano]

Yes, yes.. following the steps of Marty P.

[HOOT]

Did he do some summer training with Popsicle?

[saillias]

Yeah when you send a memorial cup winner who won CHL defender of the year back to junior there should be an understanding he has nothing left to prove at that level and is not likely to keep improving his production.

Also not really sure how his defensive game will improve until he turns pro. He is just a year older in the same league he dominated playing the way he did. What is his coach going to tell him?

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Would not be surprised if the "fan" said something racist to illicit that sort of reaction from him. If so, take the suspension but I won't really hold it against him. He's still a kid, fans need to relax

That's a pretty big conclusion to jump to. A young player seeing red after being ejected isn't exactly thinking clearly so let's not make these kind of assumptions without any merit.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by saillias

Yeah when you send a memorial cup winner who won CHL defender of the year back to junior there should be an understanding he has nothing left to prove at that level and is not likely to keep improving his production.

Also not really sure how his defensive game will improve until he turns pro. He is just a year older in the same league he dominated playing the way he did. What is his coach going to tell him?

He's not close to NHL ready based on his play in camp this year. You do what any athlete does - go back down and work your butt off at the things you need to in junior (bulking up, 2 way play, consistency, playing all situations).

It certainly didn't hurt guys like Spezza or Schiefle who were taken early and were just not quite ready or able to play a 200ft game to go back down to Junior.

[AC]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1849423532989575634

Ugly looking hit to a completely vulnerable player.

[bdubbs]

That high skate worried me more than the 'ugly' hit. What an awkward angle.

[PepsiFree]

That’s a pretty soft hit.

[AC]

It wasn't a huge hit and thankfully no injury resulted, but the player's head was dangerously close to the boards when Parekh committed to hitting him.

Thankfully he turned his head just as contact was made, but it could have been dangerous.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by bdubbs

That high skate worried me more than the 'ugly' hit. What an awkward angle.

Yeah that was pretty dangerous as you kind of hope players would try to keep their skates down in that situation where he's trying to hold his ground. As for the hit, it's late and penalty worthy but it's far from the dirtiest hit I have seen in junior hockey. Big nothing for me but the spearing the fan incident is just bad. Regardless of if he was provoked or not, a player just can't do that. Hopefully just part of the maturation process.

[Eric Vail]

Originally Posted by saillias

Yeah when you send a memorial cup winner who won CHL defender of the year back to junior there should be an understanding he has nothing left to prove at that level and is not likely to keep improving his production.

Also not really sure how his defensive game will improve until he turns pro. He is just a year older in the same league he dominated playing the way he did. What is his coach going to tell him?

I disagree with this. All the scouting reports indicated his offensive game was great, but he had improve his defensive game. If he was a dominant defenseman at both end of the rink, he would have been picked #1 overall. There is work he could do to improve his game at the junior level.

[FlamesAddiction]

The player tried a reverse hit and failed. He left his feet as well. He was shoved off balance when Parekh already committed to the hit. He definitely didn't hit him with as much force as he could have, and I don't see any head contact.

[Kipper_3434]

Man that player doesn't know how to brace for a hit. Why would you try to stand up a checking player 4 feet from the boards.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Kipper_3434

Man that player doesn't know how to brace for a hit. Why would you try to stand up a checking player 4 feet from the boards.

Honestly, he looked like a bit of a clown there.