Spirit’s Zayne Parekh named CHL Defenceman of the Year

Defenceman of the Year Award
Winner – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
Finalists – Denton Mateychuk (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL), Vsevolod Komarov (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL)

The CHL Defenceman of the Year Award is presented annually to the top defenceman in the Canadian Hockey League. This year’s recipient was 2024 NHL Draft prospect Zayne Parekh. The 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., led all defencemen in the CHL in scoring (96) and goals (33) during the 2023-24 campaign. Alongside Ellis, Parekh is one of just two CHL blueliners over the last 20 years to top 95 points in a single season.