Parent began his professional career in the WHL as the goalie of the Spokane Chiefs. After one year with the Chiefs, Parent joined the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League, now called the UHL. During the 1995–1996 season Parent was a ColHL first team All-Star, named the ColHL most Outstanding Goalie, and also played 19 games with the Detroit Vipers of the IHL and 2 games with the Rochester Americans of the AHL. The following season Parent played full time with the Vipers and led them to a Turner Cup victory. The St. Louis Blues signed Parent to a contract following the season and Parent made his debut in the NHL, playing for 12 minutes in a game for the Blues.