Five Things You Didn’t Know About Colton Parayko

Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has become a fan favorite since being drafted 86th overall in the third round in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He subsequently signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blues. He played college hockey for the University of Alaska Fairbanks of the WCHA from 2012-15.

Parayko spent his first season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, ending the season with seven points (four goals and three assists) over 17 games. He proceeded to gear up for the Blues’ training camp and made the opening night roster to kick off the 2016-17 season.

Here are five things you likely didn’t know about Parayko.

5. He Drinks Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola isn’t healthy for you and I. It’s not healthy for Parayko either. But he chugs it down anyways.

In an interview alongside Carter Hutton and Patrik Berglund, Parayko admitted to the cameras that he enjoys a good old can of Coca-Cola. Like many Coca-Cola drinkers, he enjoys the energy jolt that comes from the sugar soft drink.

“It’s kind of one of those sugar-high things,” Parayko said in a shocking interview. “[Carter] Hutton and I had a couple of Cokes one day and checked out the sugar and it was 39 grams for one can of Coke. So it’s kind of our inside joke now that we need to carry a Coke every flight.”

4. He Has Dabbled in Motocross Dirt Bike Racing
Parayko grew up in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. In case you didn’t know, St. Albert is northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It’s separated from Edmonton by several miles of farmland.

Parayko was raised by a close, tight-knit family. He has dabbled in motocross dirt bike racing when he was younger, but a wrist injury affected his motocross aspirations, which ultimately led him to pursue an ice hockey career.

More recently, he embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Supercross at the Dome at America’s Center in January 2020. At least he stayed productive while he waited for his then-injury to heal.

3. He Could Cares Less About What Others Think
Parayko isn’t only mild-mannered, he’s also humble. Sure, he re-signed with the Blues for five years and $27.5 million in 2016, but his annual salary of $5.5 million hasn’t affected his mindset on and off the ice.

In an interview with KDSK, Parayko was asked about the chatter about his potential of being one of the most elite blueliners in the league. Parayko responded: “I don’t know. I don’t really think that way ... I just go out there and focus on playing my game, focusing on making sure that I give myself the best game and the best chance for our team to win.”

Great, low-key response on Parayko’s part!

2. He Has Only Had Two Major Fights in His Career
Parayko may be powerful, but he’s not really physical in the fighting department.

Parayko has only had two major fights in a Blues uniform — one versus Gabriel Landeskog on April 3, 2016 and the other versus Brett Richie on February 21, 2019.

Perhaps Parayko can step up his fighting game if he needs tp. Just keep in mind that he can increase his physicality, but it might take a while, as he has sustained a couple of injuries in the past.

1. He Has Never Skied Before
Parayko may be a fan favorite among Blues fans, but there’s a winter sport that hasn’t tried — and that’s skiing.

According to a Player Q&A by the NHLPA, Parayko said that he has never skied before. I don’t blame him though - skiing features a bit of a learning curve. One has to be patient and persistent to get the hang of skiing.