Parish was selected 213th overall by Peterborough in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but earning a spot in the lineup was never going to be handed to him.
The 19-year-old forward has now played 102 regular-season games with the Petes over the past two seasons, along with six playoff games, and he knows exactly what he wants to bring heading into his third year.
“What I’m looking to work on throughout the year is just get my physical presence there, like make sure teams know I’m on the ice. I don’t want them to be comfortable with the puck and I bring a lot of grit to the table and work hard.”
That work ethic is a big part of Parish’s game, and he isn’t afraid to put himself in uncomfortable situations.
“If I get hit, I get right back up. Doesn’t matter if I get hit or not. Just keep going.”
Away from the ice, Parish has also embraced a role that can be just as important to a team over the course of a long season. He likes keeping the mood light around the dressing room, whether that means a joke, a prank or, on media day, turning his stick into an extra microphone.
“You know, it’s important that you can’t always be serious. It’s not healthy for you. Sometimes a good joke is but brings the team spirit alive and keeps us going.”
Parish spent part of his summer working at MTR Refing in three-on-three hockey while also finding plenty of time to relax and catch up on some television.
He got into superhero shows including Green Arrow and Smallville, and when asked what superhero he would be, Parish had a pretty simple answer.
“All the superhero powers are already taken so all I can really wish to be a Superman.”
Now, he’s ready to get back on the ice and experience the atmosphere at the Memorial Centre again.
“Can’t wait to see the crowd be electric when we step out on the ice, really. It’s just an electric fan base and just excited to get out there.”
After working his way from an 11th-round selection to his third OHL season, Parish knows the role he wants to play. He wants to bring grit, physicality, energy and a little personality to the Petes every time he steps on the ice.
