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Arber Xhekaj Publicly Responds to Mike Matheson After Their Heated Practice Altercation

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Elias Adaime
February 20, 2025  (5:58 PM)
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We mentioned this earlier this morning, but the Montreal Canadiens had a very intense practice yesterday. It was great to see, and one particular sequence drew even more attention, a small altercation between Arber Xhekaj and Mike Matheson.

Basically, after being hooked and taken down by the Sheriff during a drill, Matheson got up and grabbed Xhekaj with both hands, throwing him forcefully to the ice in return.

The video can be found at the following link:

You could tell Matheson lost his patience and wasn't happy, but it was still good intensity and healthy competition.

The proof? Arber Xhekaj was asked to comment publicly on the incident, and his response was very clear.

Arber Xhekaj comments on his intense altercation with Mike Matheson

Unsurprisingly, the Sheriff loved the sequence.

Matheson didn't appreciate seeing Xhekaj trip him near the net.

He immediately got back up and literally threw him onto his backside.

"We are competitive.

I like that the guys give it their all-they want to succeed, and it proves that they care about our success.

It amuses me," said Xhekaj to the media.

Via TVA Sports article

Xhekaj mentioned that he liked what Matheson did despite everything and even added that he shouldn't hesitate to do it again if the situation calls for it. Wow.

Journalist Anthony Martineau also added that Matheson later went to see Xhekaj to clear things up and that "everything is fine."

I'll say it again, I love seeing this kind of intensity at practice because it can carry over into games.

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Arber Xhekaj Publicly Responds to Mike Matheson After Their Heated Practice Altercation

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