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Canadiens Defenseman Shares Heartfelt Thanks to Parents

This Montreal Canadiens defenseman put in tremendous work to achieve his NHL dream, but without his parents selflessness it may have never worked out.

Tyler Major-Mcnicol

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images / David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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Arber Xhekaj's story is one of hard work and determination, as he was left undrafted in his draft year (2019) and the following two drafts. He ultimately got his start with an invite to the Montreal Canadiens rookie camp in 2021, and the rest is history.

Xhekaj, alongside his younger brother Florian, a 2023 101st overall draft selection, got the chance to play together in the Canadiens threads on September 23, and both players made an impact. Florian scored a goal and got into a fight with Philadelphia Flyers enforcer Nicolas Deslauriers. Arber had four minutes of roughing penalties and sealed the 4-2 win with an empty net tally.

But what stood out most to the brothers, of course, was getting to play together, and everything paying off for their parents, who dedicated so much. Xhekaj's mom was in the arena for the game, and Arber shared how he felt about the experience during postgame media availability.

“My parents sacrificed everything for me & my brother their whole lives," (Arber) Xhekaj said. Sleeping in the car, driving us to Toronto for every practice, late nights, tournaments, putting every single ounce of money they have into me & Florian. For her to be there (at the Bell Centre) and see where we’ve come, it’s a pretty special moment.”

Arber also touched on the fact that his mom drove for six hours to surprise the brothers, and then had to leave to go to work the next morning bright and early. It's easy to see that the Xhekajs had a strong upbringing, built on hard work.

But they also have proud parents, who recognize all they have done, and when it mattered most, despite the situation, their mom made it. In typical Xhekaj fashion, the brothers left it all on the ice and pushed the Canadiens to their second win of the preseason in as many games.

After a brilliant debut season in the American Hockey League, which saw him post 24 goals, 11 assists and 175 penalty minutes, Florian proved he is ready for the professional game. While Arber continued growing and rounding out his two-way game, he was trying to solidify himself as one of the Canadiens' top-six defensemen.

Florian Xhekaj stole the show in his Canadiens preseason debut, and could be motivated to achieve even more going forward
Sep 23, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj (63) celebrates with teammates including his brother, defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images / Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

For a couple that moved to Canada for a better life, Simona and Jack, Arber and Florian's mom and dad, have to be awfully proud of how far their sons have come.

Imagine the pair make the Canadiens together out of camp, and then face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their regular-season opener. A shorter drive for their parents, and a gigantic gift — their sons putting on a show in enemy territory — to show their appreciation for the sacrifices that allowed them to attempt to reach the top level in the sport.

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Tyler Major-Mcnicol
TYLER MAJOR-MCNICOL

Tyler is a former Algonquin College journalism graduate, and passionate hockey fan. His love for the Montreal Canadiens comes second to his love of hockey. With two daughter’s under four years old, hockey is always a topic of conversation. Nothing gets me quite excited like an empty canvas waiting to have a story written on it, and the smell of fresh ice in the air.

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