Arber Xhekaj’s forward role against the Hurricanes stunned Carolina’s defencemen
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PUBLICATION
Leo Honein
March 30, 2026 (9:26 PM)
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens made an interesting decision by using Arber Xhekaj as a forward against the Carolina Hurricanes.
This move allowed him to be directly involved in the team’s forecheck.
Arber Xhekaj enjoyed this new challenge, and he shared a funny interaction that happened during the game with some opposing players.
Xhekaj explained that his second shift on the ice triggered a strong reaction from the other team.
The Carolina Hurricanes’ defencemen were surprised to see him charging into their zone at full speed.
They came up to him to talk about it.
The Carolina players asked him, not really understanding, if he was actually playing forward for the night.
The Hurricanes’ defencemen were stunned to see Arber Xhekaj forechecking
According to Xhekaj, the opposing defencemen truly could not believe it, and they were shaking their heads in confusion.
Xhekaj said the situation made him laugh a lot on the ice.
He also told the media present that he has always wanted to have that active role deep in the offensive zone. Arber Xhekaj added that he felt very comfortable in that role.
One thing is certain: the Hurricanes’ defencemen constantly had to locate Xhekaj before going back to retrieve the puck.
This type of decision brings an element of unpredictability to the team’s game plan, without any doubt:
Arber Xhekaj on forechecking:
“It was my favourite part, honestly. During my second shift, their defensemen came up to me and said, ‘You’re on forward tonight?’ while shaking their heads.
It was pretty funny. I have always wanted to forecheck, and I felt really good out there today.”
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Arber Xhekaj’s forward role against the Hurricanes stunned Carolina’s defencemen
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