Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh recently faced backlash for his comments regarding NHL players, whom he described as “robots” lacking personality. This sparked reactions from teammates, particularly MacKenzie Weegar, who confirmed that the team had already discussed Parekh’s remarks.
Parekh Apologizes for ‘Robot’ Remarks
During a celebration of Canada’s bronze medal victory over Finland, Parekh expressed remorse for his words. “I sincerely apologize to the Flames organization and my teammates. At the end of the day, that’s not acceptable and that can’t happen,” he stated. His comments emerged while he excelled at the World Junior Championship, scoring five goals and providing eight assists, a record for points by a Canadian defenseman in the event.
The Context of His Comments
Parekh, 19, revealed his frustrations with the lack of personality in the NHL. He mentioned, “I don’t want to come in here and be a robot,” highlighting the need for more individuality within the sport. Despite this, some team members suggested that Parekh might have “overshared,” reflecting the common expectations for rookie players in professional sports.
Teammate Reactions
- MacKenzie Weegar stated, “I think he does feel a little bit bad about it.”
- Nazem Kadri noted the excitement at the World Juniors and suggested Parekh’s comments shouldn’t be treated too seriously.
- Weegar added that while Parekh’s remark could be seen as potentially distracting, it also provided insight into the pressures young players face.
While the tension around Parekh’s comments was palpable, teammates emphasized their understanding of the situation. “He’s a good kid. He really means well,” Weegar said, reflecting on the competitive atmosphere that often accompanies significant events like the World Juniors.
Looking Ahead
Parekh is scheduled to join the Flames on their upcoming five-game road trip, beginning in Montreal. His performance in the World Junior Championship has drawn attention, and as he navigates his first NHL season, he understands the importance of balancing authenticity with professionalism. The Flames organization will be monitoring how he learns from this experience.
