As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for their much-anticipated clash against the Ottawa Senators tonight, a quiet but powerful moment has unfolded off the ice—one that speaks volumes about family, pride, and the true heart of hockey.

Just hours before puck drop, Simona Xhekaj, the mother of Canadiens’ rising stars Arber and Florian, took to social media with a message that’s as simple as it is moving. Her words, while brief, seem to carry the weight of years spent cheering, worrying, and celebrating alongside her sons.

But what does this heartfelt note reveal about the Xhekaj family’s unique bond, and how might it shape the atmosphere both on the ice and in the stands tonight? Is Simona’s gentle encouragement a subtle strategy to keep her sons grounded amid the intensity, or is it simply a mother’s wish for joy and safety in a game that can be anything but predictable? While some may see it as just another pregame ritual, there’s much more beneath the surface—a story of passion, resilience, and the very human side of the sport.

Tonight, as the spotlight shines on Arber and Florian, one question remains: will Simona’s message be the secret ingredient that unites the team and inspires an unforgettable performance?

Simona Xhekaj (left) Mother of Arber and Florian (right)

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

All across North America, there are families who live and breathe hockey, and in my opinion, the Xhekaj family is clearly one of them.

Just a few hours before tonight’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators, Simona Xhekaj, the mother of Arber and Florian, shared a simple but heartfelt message filled with love and pride.

On social media, here’s what she wrote this afternoon:

“Let’s play some hockey boys, have fun and stay healthy”

– Simona Xhekaj

A short message, but one that truly captures the spirit of the Xhekaj family: passion, joy, and resilience.

I wonder if this is her way of making sure her sons stay calm tonight.

I’m not sure if that will be the case. However, one thing is certain: I agree with Simona-the most important thing tonight is that the players stay healthy.

Arber and Florian Xhekaj Share More Than Just a Last Name With the Montreal Canadiens

Seeing a mother cheer on her two sons before a game creates a beautiful human image around a team often viewed purely through a sporting lens. We too often forget that players have families and are very much human.

This isn’t the first time Simona Xhekaj has won public sympathy.

Always smiling, she embodies that family pride that fans love.

In short, as the Canadiens prepare for their final preseason game, it’s clear that the Xhekaj brothers will once again have the crowd behind them-and most importantly, their mother.