Canadian ice hockey player Arber Xhekaj is the son of immigrant parents, Jack and Simona. The youngster currently plays for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens.
Xhekaj was known for having a relatively slight frame while attempting to play minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies. So, he didn’t get selected in the entry draft of the 2017 Ontario Hockey League.
The 21-year-old was allowed entry to the Rangers’ training camp in 2018. Following the roster, he participated for two years in the OHL before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the 2020–21 season.
He was not selected in either the 2020 or 2021 NHL drafts, which was disappointing for his ability to advance to the professional ranks.
Still, he got an invitation to training camp, this time from the Montreal Canadiens, ahead of the NHL season 2021-2022.
Throughout the initial 11 matches this season, Xhekaj has been demonstrating that he belongs in the NHL despite not being selected.
Before joining the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs, he was not even picked in the OHL draft.
Arber Xhekaj Was Born To Athletic Parents Jack And Simona Xhekaj
Arber Xhekaj is one of the two sons, born to his athletic parents, Jack and Simona, on 30 January 2001. His birth town is Hamilton, Ontario.
Xhekaj’s father, Jack, used to play soccer in his early days. While his mother, Simona, was a volleyball player. Neither of them is a scout and has no hockey background.
They met after being introduced by mutual friends at Hamilton’s Sheraton Hotel more than two decades ago. They eventually fell in love and were blessed with two sons, Arber and Florian.
Arber’s dad, who he shares his name with, is a native of Kosovo, and his mom is originally from Czechia. His parents left their native lands in the 1990s.
Since neither of his folks speaks the other’s native language, the 21-year-old talks proudly about how he grew up through their English accents.
When Xhekaj qualified for the St. Catharines Falcons in the Jr. B GOJHL at age 16, they had made notice of his name, and it was around the fall of 2017.
At the end of the year, the team saw him more aggressive than other kids his age at the Jr. A and Jr. B levels, often dominated by bigger, stronger, and senior athletes.
The 6-foot-4 Arber never heard his name called at the draft, not in the OHL nor the NHL. But his parents keep encouraging him never to give up.
Arber Xhekaj Mother Simona Is A Native Of Hradec Kralove
Arber Xhekaj’s mother, Simona, was born in Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic. The NFL star often travels to the country every couple of summers.
Simona moved to Canada from the Czech Republic in her 20s just with one suitcase.
Thanks to his mother, Xhekaj also holds a citizen of the Czech Republic. If the chance ever presented itself, he would play professionally or represent the country on the international stage.
Once Arber remarked that he wouldn’t mind having backup options, although the main motive is to play in the NHL.
Although Simona would be incredibly proud of him if he played for the Czech Republic, her reaction to his impulsive decision to get a tattoo last year wasn’t as optimistic.
Xhekaj recalled he had called his mom before getting the first piece of an arm sleeve, but she wasn’t pleased about the idea.
He attempted to draw something else that wasn’t too obvious to make his mother more accepting of it.
He decided on an arrow with “mom” written next to it. Discussing the inspiration for the final design, Xhekaj stated his mother is a strong woman he looks up to.
Arber Xhekaj Father Jack Is From Albania Kosovar
Hockey player Arber Xhekaj has Albanian ancestry as his father, Jack, was originally from Albanian Kosovar.
When Jack was young, the situation in Kosovo was pretty tricky. He had to sneak past checkpoints using made-up false passports while fleeing the forest to avoid being seen.
Arber’s dad Jack’s only earthly possessions were a single pair of shoes when he arrived in Canada in the 1990s.
Since making a name for himself as a reliable at-home defender, Xhekaj’s reputation has swung more toward discussing his abilities than his unusual last name (pronounced JACK-eye).
Every year, he has had the worst attendance record at school, and his teacher often asks him how to pronounce his name. His surname can be attributed to his Albanian dad.
His teammates in Kitchener referred to him as “X” or “X-Man” when he first came, while his buddies back home called him “Arbs.”
Arber Xhekaj Brother Florian Xhekaj Signed To The Hamilton Bulldogs
Arber Xhekaj was raised alongside his younger brother Florian Xhekaj. The two had a memorable childhood, growing up in Hamilton, Ontario.
His younger brother, Florian, signed with the Hamilton Bulldogs to a Standard Players Agreement in July 2022.
Florian has followed his older brother’s footsteps since Arber also played part in his junior career with the same team.
The junior Xhekaj (6’2”) stepped into the junior level in the 2021-22 campaign. As a rookie, he led the Pelham Panthers of the GOJHL in scoring with 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 48 games.
Florian drives the offense for the team as a strong forward who can score and pass the ball. No doubt, he will uphold the pride of being a Hamilton Bulldog.