Florian Xhekaj's Incredible Journey From Fighting for His Life to Fighting in the NHL With His Brother
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Florian Xhekaj is one of the names creating the most buzz in Montreal today, at least among Canadiens fans, largely due to his performance last night.
He's the real deal, tough as nails, and never backs down.
Just ask Philadelphia Flyers forward Nicolas Deslauriers, who was quite impressed by the young Xhekaj.
A Frightening Trial That Shaped Florian Xhekaj's Character
In a recent interview with the excellent journalist Eric Engels (from Sportsnet) , the young Xhekaj shared a truly frightening story.
"Florian Xhekaj forged his character on a hospital bed in San Sebastian, Spain, while fighting for his life at just 14 years old."
Xhekaj was indeed hospitalized after a hit he received a few years ago, a moment that changed his life (a moment that helped create the warrior we see in action today).
"Florian Xhekaj experienced a serious accident during an international hockey tournament, an accident that left him in critical condition."
He remembers it as if it were yesterday..
"A guy came in and hit me with his butt, which ended up puncturing my kidney.
It was a strange experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
My mom wasn't even there.
No one from my family was there.
I was with a family friend, then my mom had to fly out, and I stayed there for a few months."
- Florian Xhekaj
It was a strange experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
My mom wasn't even there.
No one from my family was there.
I was with a family friend, then my mom had to fly out, and I stayed there for a few months."
- Florian Xhekaj
The fact that he stayed in the hospital for months shows how serious it truly was.
He even mentions that he was fighting for his life at that time.
"I couldn't go home with all that.
I was in a wheelchair.
I couldn't even walk."
- Florian Xhekaj
I was in a wheelchair.
I couldn't even walk."
- Florian Xhekaj
For him, there's no doubt that this experience helped shape the character he has today.
He wasn't afraid of Nicolas Deslauriers last night, just as he wasn't afraid to fight for his life a few years ago! He's the real deal.
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