Xhekaj Brothers Shine Together in Canadiens Debut
It was one of those nights at the Bell Centre where hockey wasn’t just about goals or wins—it was about family, history, and a moment that will be remembered for years to come. On Tuesday night, Montreal Canadiens fans were treated to something special: brothers Arber and Florian Xhekaj wearing the same jersey, sharing the same ice, and writing the first chapter of a story that has been years in the making.
The Canadiens had already opened their preseason with a tight 2-1 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins the night before, but this second game carried a different kind of anticipation. The Xhekaj brothers had never before suited up together for Montreal, and for their family, especially their mother Simona, it was a dream come true. She made the drive to Montreal earlier that day, posting online that she wouldn’t miss this milestone for anything in the world.
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And the night didn’t disappoint. Midway through the opening period, Florian seized his moment. With the Canadiens already pressing the Flyers, the younger Xhekaj snapped home a goal that doubled Montreal’s lead. The crowd roared, but in the stands, the most meaningful reaction came from Simona, who couldn’t hold back her tears as she watched her son score in front of his big brother for the first time in an NHL sweater. The cameras caught it, and it was instantly one of those “who’s cutting onions?” moments for fans everywhere.
This wasn’t just a sentimental story, though—it was a showcase of how far Florian has come. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, he’s worked tirelessly to earn his place. Last season, he made headlines with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, notching 24 goals and setting a rookie franchise record. His mix of scoring ability and physical toughness—150-plus penalty minutes—proved that he had both the skill and grit needed for the big leagues.
And grit, of course, runs in the family. Just like his older brother Arber, Florian isn’t afraid to mix it up. True to form, he even dropped the gloves with veteran enforcer Nicolas Deslauriers, showing that he’s willing to stand tall against anyone. It might not have been the moment his mother was hoping for, but it was certainly one that showed the Canadiens—and the league—exactly what kind of player he intends to be.
Arber, who has already carved out his reputation as a tough, dependable defenseman since signing with Montreal as an undrafted free agent back in 2021, was right there with him. He brought his own brand of physicality in the second period, proving that the Xhekaj brothers together make for a formidable, hard-nosed presence on the ice.
For Canadiens fans, this preseason game wasn’t just about tuning up for the season—it was about witnessing something rare. A family’s journey from the OHL to the NHL, culminating in two brothers wearing the same crest, battling side by side, and making their mom proud. It was a reminder that hockey is at its best when it’s about more than just the score. It’s about moments like these—moments where a family’s dream becomes a team’s story.
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