Washington Capitals 2024 first-round pick, Terik Parascak, is having a time he’ll never forget at his first NHL Training Camp. After participating in a four-day Rookie Camp in Annapolis, the 18-year-old winger is now in Arlington getting his feet wet with names he only grew up seeing on TV.
“It’s been a super cool experience getting to kind of skate with the big guys now, the NHLers,” Parascak said on Saturday. “It’s been quite an unbelievable experience.”
Parascak began the big-league camp on Thursday with a skate test and then took the ice with the rest of the players in Group B. One player in particular didn’t take it easy on him.
“You go straight into a practice with a lot of battle drills,” Parascak said. “And I’m pretty sure my first rep was against Ovi, and he just toe-dragged me. So that was a big eye-opener right there for sure.”
Days later, Parascak skated on the same line as Ovechkin.
“That was super cool,” Parascak said. “A little nerve-wracking for sure, obviously playing with someone like that. So I try and get him the puck and just do the best I can out there.”
In 68 games for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars last year, Parascak amassed 105 points (43g, 62a) which was good for third-best on the team and eighth in the WHL. The 2023-24 campaign was his first full year in Canadian major junior and he quickly rose to the top of the Cougars lineup. He also made the 2024 CHL All-Rookie Team and earned the nickname “The Super Rookie” after leading all CHL rookies in points, goals, and assists.
Despite his impressive junior success, Parascak admits he still has plenty of work to do to make it in the NHL after being around so many pro players.
“They’re just grown men,” he said. “I think just getting a lot stronger for me, I think obviously that’ll come with time. But just making sure I put in that work to make sure that when I’m ready to make, hopefully, a professional jump, that I’m in the right shape and the right amount of strength.”
Sunday, Parascak will make his NHL preseason debut against the Philadelphia Flyers, rocking the number 18 on the ice at Capital One Arena for the very first time. He called the potential opportunity before the official roster was released “unbelievable.”
“(I’ve) just kind of dreaming of being in an NHL rink, putting on an NHL jersey,” Parascak said. “Yeah, it would be super special if I got that opportunity.”
Parascak’s parents and sister will be at the game to cheer him on. Just like they did at the NHL Draft where they helped author a viral moment with him when Washington selected him 17th overall.
“It’s a cool moment to share with them,” he said.
