But when asked about who his favourite Leaf was as a kid, Parekh was pretty quick to respond.
“I loved watching Naz fly around on the ice, so you know, it’s pretty cool to be able to play with him now,” he shared. “I’d always watch 43 and see him fly around.
“I told him I used to come to the games. He thinks it’s hilarious.”
Tuesday’s contest had to have been circled in bright red pen on the Parekh family calendar, and for good reason.
It’s sure to be a ‘We made it’ moment for the whole family, with 60 (or more) minutes of hockey mixed in for good measure.
Amid those emotions, there’s still a game to play, a game the Flames would very much like to win after that 5-1 triumph over the Rangers at home two nights ago.
But head coach Ryan Huska figures Parekh will be ready and willing to perform once the clock strikes 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
“For Zayne, it is cool. I mean, first time coming back and playing here, I think is a real neat thing for him,” he said. “Now, you want to stay within yourself and not try to do too much. And I think that’s important, but those are all the areas that Zayne’s been working on over the last little bit as well.
“It’s making the plays that are there to be made and not looking to overcomplicate anything, and just enjoying his night.”
A night Parekh has probably been dreaming about his entire life.
“The rink looks different from ice level,” Parekh admitted. “It looks a little bit unfamiliar.”
Rest assured, he’ll get used to the view.
