Bulldogs Chat: Arber Xhekaj returns to Hamilton after trade with Kitchener Rangers

The Hamilton Bulldogs will be back on the ice tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 11, for the first time since Dec. 30 against the Niagara Ice Dogs. 

Hamilton’s own Arber Xhekaj joined us this morning for his Morning Live! Debut. The Hamilton Bulldogs completed a trade with the Kitchener Rangers in exchange for forward Navrin Mutter and draft selections: seconds in 2022 and 2025, thirds in 2023 and 2024 and a conditional fourth in 2023. This season Xhekaj has recorded six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 18 games. 

Xhekaj was not drafted, instead he earned his way to the OHL following a training camp in Montreal signing an ELC with the Canadiens in 2021. 

“A big thing that I hold is proving people wrong and you just have to believe in yourself and if you know you can do it, then once you have the opportunity you have to go out there and get it,” said Xhekaj. 

He played for the Hamilton Huskies growing up and then played for the Toronto Titans for two years, finally to Mississauga to play for the Senators. 

Over the years, Xhekaj says he believes the best part of his game is his physicality. 

“I’d say I’m a big physical presence and I know how to shut it down in the back end but I also chip into the offence too,” said Xhekaj. 

He says last year it was tough for him to keep training without playing any games, but he didn’t give up. 

“I knew there was a goal I had and I wanted to reach that goal so I kept training and kept training,” said Xhekaj. “Even when things shut down, in the winter we got out onto the ponds.”

Although no fans can go to the rink to watch the game tonight, people can still participate in the online 50/50. The funds go to Bulldogs foundation to support their breakfast program. The raffle ends after the second intermission.