Colton Parayko, born on May twelfth, nineteen ninety-three, is a distinguished Canadian professional ice hockey player. He serves as a defenceman and alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL). Hailing from St. Albert, Alberta, Parayko's early hockey journey began with the St. Albert Flyers and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, where he honed his skills before earning a scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Despite being overlooked and undrafted during his first year of NHL eligibility, Parayko's talent was recognized when he was selected eighty-sixth overall by the St. Louis Blues in the two thousand twelve NHL entry draft at the age of nineteen. He subsequently played three seasons with the Alaska Nanooks, where he garnered All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) First Team and West Second-Team All-American honors, culminating in a successful collegiate career in two thousand fifteen.
Following his collegiate success, Parayko was reassigned to the Blues' American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, to complete the remainder of the two thousand fourteen to two thousand fifteen season. He made his NHL debut the following season, quickly establishing himself as a key player. In two thousand nineteen, Parayko achieved the pinnacle of success by winning the Stanley Cup with the Blues.
In addition to his NHL accomplishments, Parayko represented Team North America at the two thousand sixteen World Cup of Hockey and proudly donned the Canadian jersey at the two thousand seventeen IIHF World Championship, showcasing his skills on the international stage.