Arber Xhekaj's Unlikely Road To The NHL | After The Horn

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Arber Xhekaj's unlikely road to the NHL is about more than just not being drafted. The Habs rookie learned about fighting for opportunities from his parents' unbelievable journey. Elliotte Friedman sits down with all three to get the whole story.
This one is a must-see.
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#NHL #Canadiens #Habs #Montreal #MontrealCanadiens #Hockey

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Опубликовано:

17 янв 2023

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Комментарии : 528

@Richness0fCalciuM Год назад

His dad is one of the hardest working guys at my work, salt of the earth would do anything for his kid. Pleasure to call him my friend

@videopyc Год назад

Best story of the year. Congratulations to Arber.

@Truthspeakeralways Год назад

Aww!!❤️

@vinvin7619 Год назад

He must be so proud of his son , What he been through , leaving ussr and wars , started a brand new life with nothing in his pocket in canada , and now his son play in the NHL for one of the most legendary Hockey team ever

@Arrrghjay84 Год назад

Love to read this ❤

@djmashmart Год назад

Montréal is the Best place to play jack keep the good work

@RedRoverTW Год назад

He's quickly become one of my favorite players in the league. Love his attitude, effort, toughness & skill. Knowing where he came from makes him even better. We need more of these types of players.

@minisam1988 Год назад

and more of these mini documentaries about these players.

@nimosdeeprockcity9871 Год назад

Well said

@SorenArouet Год назад

From junior b to the NHL, what's there not to love?

@Le-Vel Год назад

Agreed life long Montreal resident and habs fan, me and my boys love to see this guy on the ice.

@digitalagemoney4953 Год назад

By far my favorite player on the habs, this guy breathes passion. His fight last night where he tapped the logo and honoured the habs fans!!!!! Gotta love this kid, He's the perfect example of what this team needs to be win our next cup.

@paulvincent2035 Год назад

He's the toughest rookie in the NHL and is going to get better. I wonder what his ceiling is. I haven't seen a habs player with so much passion since Gally, PK, and Saku. You can tell he loves being a hab, while many players just tolerate the team that drafted them until they can find the right fit. He fits like a glove.

@DISTAULO Год назад

best rookie defence player in terms of goals this year, kciks absolute ass too

@adenadrianamontreal2633 Год назад

That was awesome when he tapped the logo awesome 👌

@Jens95 Год назад

Hard to not have chills while watching this. Hopefully he has a successful career because he's fun to watch

@15Diggity Год назад

Definitely one of the best rookies of the year.

@alraimondini7823 Год назад

MTL👊👊👊

@timmyh3004 Год назад

Grew up and played hockey with arber growing up.. He's such a classy dude... Believe it or not, he was such a humble dude, which is rare in pro-junior hockey... So proud of this guy, love ya arby

@DarkMatterEclipse Год назад

Believe it or not? From what I've seen in interviews, I see a well grounded down to earth guy. Then in this vid, when he made the team he said to his parents "WE did it!" ...says a lot right there.

@Bline-ip6et Год назад

@Ursa Major I'm pretty sure he meant that most junior players have massive egos but arber was an exception...

@timmyh3004 Год назад

@@Bline-ip6et I’ve met a few junior players and they’re extremely cocky and egotistical, and to a certain extent you have to be, to pave your way. But Arber’s was such an awesome dude

@JohnnyHawkey Год назад

What's even better is that he seems like such a genuinely good person. Good on him, he deserves all he's getting.

@BayBye2011 Год назад

this is a true success story..not drafted in CHL or NHL and made it on one of the most storied teams in NHL history and to have the success he has is amazing.. he deserves all he has achieved and best of luck in the future but I do not think he needs luck as he has worked hard for all he has done so far and the future is bright.

@puckplayer219 Год назад

How can anyone dislike this kid? What an awesome story. What an incredibly strong and resilient family. I hope Arber has a long and successful career.

@maximeremillard7036 Год назад

Be on the receiving end of his fists

@AceMatthew25414 Год назад

Sens and Leafs fans sure can dislike him.

@jonathanduplantis1403 Год назад

@@AceMatthew25414 ok good for them

@islaypeat9798 Год назад

I love this kid, even though I’m a Bruins fan. That’ll probably change after he runs Pasternak the first time lol.

@rickymartin875 Год назад

@@AceMatthew25414 Not sure why Leafs fans hate him. He hasn’t beaten up any of their players yet! lol

@HockeyJunkie Год назад

What a great story. Nothing but respect for that entire family. This kids gonna be a fan favourite for many years.

@dero2430 Год назад

Love your channel bro !

@bubby9175 5 месяцев назад

The junkie

@martinsimo6127 Год назад

If I ever buy a canadians jersey, It'll be a Xhekaj jersey. My dad is also Albanian and chose to came to Canada with nothing and start a new life. It's time's like these where you appreciate all you're parents have done for you. Incredible story.

@victorjr9341 Год назад

Go now, i'd be proud if I were you, i'm proud anyway

@GravitehHockey Год назад

Dude's gonna be a rockstar with the Habs for a LONG time. 🐐

@domlalonde7111 Год назад

love the content brother!

@GravitehHockey Год назад

@@domlalonde7111 Thanks dom!!

@davidmanganiello5048 Год назад

Love that he says to his family, “We did it.” After making the team.

@thechozenwarrior62 Год назад

When Montréal signed him i was so hyped, watched every shift by shift with the rangers and the bulldogs as he dominated and wrecked fools left and right. He's such a beauty protect the protector at all cost.

@stockey Год назад

I did too lol, when i saw him play in the juniors, i knew he would make the NHL.

@crankybastid2197 Год назад

I was going to thumbs up but it was at 76 and I didn't have the heart to. PK was my boy. Now it's Arber.

@andrewlindhe722 7 месяцев назад

Arber and his family deserve everything good for them

@ogden700 Год назад

Best sports story ever. Should win a journalism award. A+

@mrv6968 Год назад

It is apparent Arber is a quick learner. Playing defense in the NHL is the toughest position for anyone to learn. For him to do it out of the starting gate and his upward progression shows how smart he is. And did I mention Tough too! I got a bit misty eyed on this story, and rightfully so.

@annakivaderova1452 Год назад

Man, I can't really put into words how amazed I am. This is like a story from a movie. I have much more respect for the kid and for his parents. Wishing all the best!

@YoungGunsPodcast Год назад

The most exiting youngster in NHL right now!

@philippeforget-dionne8902 Год назад

After yesterday’s game, this is exactly what I was looking for! Arber Xhekaj and his family are truly inspiring and resilient. I hope he stays for a long time. Thank you @Sportsnet for that video.

@kingkrimson8771 Год назад

If you're a Habs fan like I am you had to love the sight of him grabbing the CH logo on his jersey after fighting Lowry last night. What a great story.

@albertvanular433 Год назад

What a great story. Congrats to Xhekaj for all his perseverance and hard work. Kudos to his family for their constant support and commitment to help make Arber's dream come true. Well done Sportsnet. We need more stories like this. Go Habs Go!!

@CyFss Год назад

No matter who your team is, I cannot see how anyone cannot like this kid and especially his story. Kudos to Sportsnet for this doc.

@terrylowe5392 Год назад

I love this video. Very proud of you Arber. Glad to have had a chance to coach you. Unbelievable.

@VarkhanMB Год назад

Xhekaj has become my favourite player on the Habs. So much energy and talent, I hope he sticks around for a long time.

@jeanlucfaille7495 3 месяца назад

This guy has his heart in the right place, an inspiration for today's generation. A real beating thank you Wifi!

@avniismaili4917 Год назад

Happy to see the family of Arber Xhekaj Succeeded in NHL, As Albanian Canadian Very happy to see that.

@baldbearded9601 Год назад

He is already an important piece of the reconstruction, being included in the list of untouchables on this team along with Caufield, Suzuki and Guhle.. Arber Xhekaj is giving everything he has for the team, and everyone is noticing. Definitely easy to foresee a brilliant career for this young man! And he is just getting started.. 🙌

@sandboxhero7587 Год назад

Wow I didn't know his parents backstory until now, very incredible! Go habs go!

@drewdoran5447 Год назад

Fr that was crazy

@Roochfan20 Год назад

Ducks fan here and much respect! I cannot hate this kid lol. Always love hearing the rags to riches stories and how a kid no one knew about gets an opportunity and shines!

@SherLock55 Год назад

I had no idea who he was until we first played the Habs this season, kept hearing Jackeye this and Jackeye that lol, I like who TF is this kid. Dude is a beast and great story, even went toe to toe with Lowry and arguably won. Imagine when this kid hits his prime oooof.

@austino17 Год назад

This is hands down one of the best hockey stories if not the best

@carlpeant9666 Год назад

Proud of his Czech mother she is strong woman that gave him everything to reach his dreams. same for his father. Im from Czech.

@banzaaiiiii Год назад

he should play for cz

@Lirolooum Год назад

Who's cutting onions in here ? As a Montrealer, I was already a fan of his but, now, I really want his jersey !

@sportsnet Год назад

Let's get a bulk order going, Arber jersey sales about to 📈

@claytonlee2074 Год назад

Whether you're a Montreal Canadiens fan or not you can't help but root for this player. The road his parents had to make individually and then have a child with the values of hard work, determination and will to keep trying even though he wasn't drafted at all to finally make it to the premiere hockey league in the world is amazing. His reputation of a tough guy is true but his skill as a player is underrated. His skating is average but his shot, his patience and his presence on the ice makes every team want a player like Xhejki. Oh and yeah can he fight!!

@yash_ar Год назад

The kid is Awsome but MAN, what a family!! They don't make parents like this anymore, that's for sure! This lady is tough as nails, God bless, you all worked so hard you deserve it.

@getdusty1 Год назад

Thanks, Elliot for this!! You are the best sportscaster in Canada!!!!!

@melisabaglio9688 Год назад

I love Arber! So much respect for him ❤️

@curtisault2508 Год назад

I saw some deficiencies in his game early on. If I could see them, obviously the coaching staff did as well. I don't see those flaws anymore. This young man just keeps getting better as the season moves on. All credit to him and keep up the hard work.

@oronbeaulieu5057 Год назад

Becoming a parent a couple years ago has made me soft, tearing up. Hope this kid makes a fortune. Hate the Habs but love this kid!

@sora1498 Год назад

hes probably one of the most down to earth guys , such a great opportunity to get to watch him play and grow!

@fg8512 Год назад

Making a grown man cry lol thank you Sportsnet I'll forever be rooting for you Arber!

@jimplimkin4026 Год назад

Kid shows everyone even if you're not a first rounder you can make it. Not Even if you're never invited to a draft. This kid is sick. Scouts better start getting more players like this

@banzaaiiiii Год назад

not really stories like this and being undrafted is usually outlier

@XxHollisterBabyyxX Год назад

Leafs fan here and i LOVE this guy. He so quickly became one of my favourite players! Looking forward to seeing more and more of him. Such a beautiful and amazing story. WE LOVE YOU ARBER! 💙💙

@sportsnet Год назад

Stories like this rise above the rivalries for sure. Ya love to see it. ❤

@lynn-marieflechner5406 Год назад

Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. We love you Arber!

@susieq3571 Год назад

I'm not crying, you're crying 😭 Well done Sportsnet, love this.

@thepissfountain Год назад

If I'd play hockey at a professionnal level, I'd want to play like Xhekaj. He will inspire a whole generation of strongmen on skates in Québec and I couldn't be happier for a good person like this guy to reach the superstar status. This is the kind of story that makes you involved in the outcome of a team.

@DarkMatterEclipse Год назад

I had a "lump in my throat" watching this. He comes from a hard working family of strength and determination, that with a little help from some good people made it to Canada. His parents, escaping turmoil and adversity of their home countries. Not knowing much of anything about Arber during the pre-season/rookie games, I took notice and thought to myself this guy is going to make the team. The Guhle hype, the #1 pick Slaf hype...and to me, Xhekaj was the "stand out". He'll only get better too. Great signing by Habs management. Xhekaj earned it, with support and example from his family.

@jeangratton2130 Год назад

This story touched me very much. my mother came from the same place and to see that they succeed is heart warming...

@jake2755 Год назад

Not a Xhekaj fan before. Now my favorite player. The interview on the pod was excellent. If you believe you can achieve.

@cheeto1171 Год назад

Amazing family shows how he got so far!

@sebastiananderson6971 Год назад

Sportsnet content not about the leafs?? its a miracle.

@irondeer7332 Год назад

Got a mention of Tie Domi 🫠

@kwizzeh Год назад

@@irondeer7332 Winnipeg Jets Legend Tie Domi

@QuinnCloudz Год назад

How could you not love this guy & his family! Awesome story 🌟

@sportsnet Год назад

🎯

@johnglenn4433 Год назад

My favorite player on the Habs. He exemplifies what it means to be a Hab. All heart and passion. Rock on Wifi!

@supmofo123 Год назад

Quickly became a fan favorite a Montreal for a reason, Montreal fans love players that play their heart out every night; Ask Dale Weise about it. Keep beasting Arber

@FFab-DD68 Год назад

His ascension to the NHL is a great feel good story. I hope to accidentally run into him one day so I can shake his hand and tell him that his story is an inspiration for all young kids. Well done Arber. Continue working hard so one day you'll sign that lucrative LT NHL contract and be in a position to have your parents retire. That's every young hockey player's dream along with winning the Stanley Cup.

@Jims003 Год назад

Just that stoyr makes me more of a bigger Xhekaj fan!! Thank you Montreal!!!

@jankapiskova8340 Год назад

Watching this made so emotinal 🥺 wish him and his family nothing but the best. They deserve the world 🙌

@marc-andregroulx8843 Год назад

That legit brought tears to my eyes. Proud to be Arber’s fan: he is an exciting player to watch, fully intense in his game. Just wow!

@keenanodonoghue4747 Год назад

He will forever be my favourite Kitchener Ranger. I’m so grateful I got to see him play game in game out. What a beautiful story, and very inspirational, brings tears to my eyes.

@PRESD4TIME Год назад

What a story! What a stud. Blessed to have him on MTL!

@ChroniclogicalJeff Год назад

Great story. I may lose my Leafs fan club membership for this... but I love this kid. Saw him play a couple games in the OHL and thought to myself when is coordination catches up with a size he's going to be something special. If he didn't end up on my Leafs, I'm more than happy he ended up on my hometown Habs. My second favourite team. Yeah, it's complicated. 😉 The story just makes me like Wi-Fi even that much more. 🍻

@moplaikoil1121 Год назад

it's hard to not love this guy. as a habs fan i got chill when he tapped the canadiens logo at yesterday' game, and knowing his story just makes me more amazed. hope he has a bright future. Love you Arber !

@ry4nx Год назад

what an incredible story. respect to the whole family and everyone who helped them

@denisbrazeau5031 Год назад

Awesome player, great story! Wish Arber and family the very best!

@mathieubrazeau3336 Год назад

This kid is amazing and so happy to have him on the Habs roster

@jasonbruno3483 Год назад

Now that's a story worth telling!!! ❤ Makes you warm and fuzzy inside...

@maximbourdages3128 Год назад

chills man litteral chills, what an amazing story !

@ELCAZZO Год назад

A true gem love this guy and only 21yrs.old will only get better!

@wanderingwarrior5626 Год назад

A very inspiring story. As a former American hockey player, that now lives permanently in the Balkans, family originated from Czechoslovakia, I can relate.

@ColStuart Год назад

Merci de nous avoir raconté cette merveilleuse histoire.

@bdgannon1473 2 месяца назад

Special story, special young man. Special Hab. Wishes for all success 👍

@jho9419 Год назад

Been a hockey fan since 1981. A Legend in the making. Congrats Arber!!

@SuperMooselight Год назад

As if I needed more reason to love this guy

@bobbybrown1787 Год назад

If he wasn’t already one of my favourite players, he now is for sure. Much respect for the Xhekaj family!! 💪🏻

@kenaudette3360 Год назад

I'm a life long Habs fan and this is such a great story. So happy this kid is a Hab and happy for his family too.

@uhohDavinci Год назад

Awesome story! Great kids come from great parents!

@flatfourwgn Год назад

What a freakin' unit! I really hope he becomes part of 'the untouchables' in the Habs D core. If he brings that blue collar work ethic and toughness to every game with the dash of skills that he has shown so far, he'll be a fan favorite.

@mafmaf6417 Год назад

What a great story. In these troubled times we need to see more stories like this.

@forikram Год назад

What an awesome story, I'm glad Sportsnet decided to do a piece on him. His family's story is very powerful

@HeyG4444 Год назад

What an awesome story. Got tears watching it.

@woo9955 Год назад

What an amazing guy.

@JimBic72 Год назад

Sports net documentaries are amazing! Can we get more please?

@benjaminsilverman7692 Год назад

This was really beautiful cant wait to see whats next for him habs fans have his back

@prairieboypools Год назад

Very happy for him and his family. Not a fan of the Habs, but he has brought an intangible, unseen element to their dressing room and I expect the Habs will break new ground in the coming years with his leadership both on and off the ice.