Since Arber Xhekaj joined the Canadiens organization, the player's story has continued to generate reactions in Montreal, and for good reason. After all, we're talking about the son of immigrant parents who was never drafted in the rookie class or the NHL, but impressed so much at CH camp that he made the jump straight to the NHL without going through Laval.
After just a few weeks, he had a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league. Show Hollywood a script like this and they'll reject it because they think it's unrealistic.
Another aspect of Xhekaj's past that stood out to people in Montreal was the fact that a few months before his first camp in Montreal, he was working at Costco. It added to the mythos of the character… and continued over time.
Even in Laval today, Xhekaj is still associated with Costco. As part of a video posted on Laval Rocket's social media, the guys named their favorite Christmas gift, and Logan Mailloux decided to tease his colleague by saying he got a Costco membership card thanks to a good discount from his friend Arber.
Seeing Xhekaj's reaction, we sense that this isn't the first time Mailloux has teased him like this.
The guys were spoiled at Christmas 😅
The boys ruined Christmas 😅#Rocket_launch pic.twitter.com/LXnNKgfJ5N– Rocket Laval (@RocketLaval) December 28, 2023
Xhekaj, who says his best gift was a Chunky KitKat, let his partner on the blue line have some fun. Because yes, let's remember that the two men play in the same defensive pairing at Laval, and are clearly good friends.
In the same video, we must also applaud the great effort of Mathias Norlender, who brought out his French to say that he has clothes. He could have responded in English like many of his colleagues, but instead he made an effort to use Molière's language, and this is to be commended.
Looks like Team Rocket got some nice gifts for Christmas… except for poor Jan Misak, who claims he received nothing. poor man…
a lot of
– Talking about the missile.
Lias Andersson will return to the Rocket lineup this afternoon after having yesterday off. Jan Misak will also play. Riley McKay and Nolan Yaremko will be left out of the lineup. No change defensively, and Jacob Dubis is in front of the net.
—Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) December 30, 2023
– This does not bode well for Matthew Savoy, who did not train today.
Canada adds forward Jäger Firkus to its 25-man roster in Sweden. Injury concerns.
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 30, 2023
-No ejaculation today. Ian Mitchell has not been claimed.
No new exemptions Ian Mitchell cleared
– Elliot Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 30, 2023
– Huge deal in MLB.
The pitcher agreed to waive his no-trade clause. https://t.co/C3hEtwAlqV
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 30, 2023
– Hugo Lloris officially joins Los Angeles.
Hugo Lloris black and gold.
📝 #LAFC Signs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris on a permanent transfer from… @SpursOfficial To a guaranteed contract through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026.
– Los Angeles (@LAFC) December 30, 2023
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