There are nights in hockey that transcend the game itself, moments when the roar of the crowd and the intensity on the ice blend with something deeper—family, pride, and the realization of a dream. For Montreal Canadiens fans, one such night unfolded at the Bell Centre, leaving everyone in attendance and watching from afar with a story they’ll never forget.

From the very first shift, it was clear that something extraordinary was happening. The energy in the arena was palpable, charged with anticipation and excitement as a young player stepped onto NHL ice for the very first time. Florian Xhekaj, a name already familiar to those who follow hockey’s most passionate families, was about to write the opening lines of his own chapter in Canadiens history. But no one could have predicted how powerfully this night would resonate—not just with the team, but with the entire hockey community.

It’s rare to witness a debut that ignites such emotion, and rarer still to see it unfold in a way that brings together teammates, fans, and family in a surge of pride and celebration. From the outset, Florian Xhekaj made his intentions clear. Every stride, every hit, every play carried the weight of years of hard work and sacrifice—a journey that began far from the bright lights of the NHL. And as the game unfolded, his determination became impossible to ignore.

But the night was destined to be more than just a promising debut. The tension built with each shift, culminating in a moment that sent shockwaves through the arena. With the crowd on its feet and the cameras trained on the ice, Florian dropped the gloves against Dakota Mermis, unleashing a flurry of emotion that swept through the stands. It was a fight that symbolized more than just physical grit; it was the embodiment of a dream realized and a family’s pride laid bare for all to see.

As the dust settled, attention shifted to the Xhekaj family in the stands. Their reactions—raw, unfiltered, and overflowing with pride—became a focal point for everyone watching. In that instant, the story was no longer just about hockey; it was about the journey, the sacrifices, and the unbreakable bond between brothers who had fought side by side for this moment.

Meanwhile, the reactions rippled across social media and through the press box. Journalists and fans alike couldn’t help but comment on the intensity of the Xhekaj brothers’ play, the physicality, and the sheer joy radiating from the family. Even the Canadiens roster seemed swept up in the emotion, with players lining up to acknowledge Florian’s courage and spirit.

Between periods, the significance of the night was captured in a few simple, heartfelt words from Arber Xhekaj. The emotion in his voice spoke volumes, hinting at a story that was still unfolding—a story that touched everyone who loves hockey, family, and the pursuit of dreams.

What happened next, and how this unforgettable night continued to echo through the hearts of fans and players alike, is a tale worth exploring in full. The magic of hockey lies not just in the games won or lost, but in the moments that remind us why we care so deeply.

Photo of Florian Xhekaj fighting Dakota Mermis

Photo credit: X

The night was already special for the Montreal Canadiens, but no one expected the surge of emotion between the Xhekaj brothers, who fought hard to reach this moment.

What a beautiful wake-up this morning for Canadiens fans! Florian Xhekaj was playing his first NHL game, and the Bell Centre was buzzing from his very first shift.

You could clearly feel how much he wanted to make a difference.

He picked up his first point on Josh Anderson’s goal, he was physical with the opponent… his NHL dream was becoming real.

A family pride impossible to hide

Then everything blew up even more when he fought. Florian dropped the gloves against Dakota Mermis without hesitation, and the crowd was on fire.

And that’s when everyone noticed the Xhekaj parents, emotional, unable to hold back their pride… that family pride!

But during the game, many reactions also caught attention online.

Journalist Anthony Martineau noticed Arber’s intense game, as he also shined physically, notably with a huge hit on Samuel Blais.

A fan wrote to him:

“You can say it, he played one h*ll of a game.”

Martineau replied without hesitation and jokingly:

“Perfect: He played one h*ll of a game.

There are limits to what I can say publicly. But you can imagine.”

– Martineau

“Haven’t seen this before, pretty much the entire Habs roster has gone to the penalty box to dap Xhekaj for that scrap.”

– David Pagnotta

The Canadiens community laughed and celebrated this very special moment.

Between the second and third periods, Arber Xhekaj explained to Renaud Lavoie how much this night meant to him.

“I was so pumped and i was just waiting for him to get call up and for him to play here with me, it’s pretty special! Our whole family group chat was buzzing and yea its been great so far” – Arber

You could see the emotion in his eyes, and his words were simple but full of meaning. In my opinion, this is exactly the kind of story that makes people love hockey even more.