Defense attorney Arber
The result of his first throw (105.4 miles per hour) was already impressive, but on his second attempt Xhekaj did even better under the astonished looks of the gathered fans.
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“I knew I could do over 100, but I think 105 was the highest I had done before,” Xhekaj told reporters after the event.
Arber Xhekaj signed several autographs during the Canadiens' skills competition on Sunday at the Bell Center. MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
By comparison, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar took top honors in the event with a throw of 102.56 mph on the sidelines of the recent All-Star Game in Toronto in early February. Giant Zdeno Chara still holds the NHL record with a shot of 108.8 mph in the 2012 skills competition.
“It was pretty crazy,” said Quebec goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault, commenting on his teammate's powerful shot. Matheson also has a good chance, but if I had to bet I would of course have put my money on Xhekaj.
Pezzetta tease
Matheson threw 98.6 mph and placed second in the event.
Xhekaj didn't make much of his victory.
“It's important for a man like Pezzetta, he cares a lot. I was able to tease him a little bit,” said number 72 of the Habs.
Pezzetta, with a throwing speed of 94.2 miles per hour, should not have been ashamed of his performance.
Montembeault's advice
Before the day began, Montembeault said he was able to test his own throw out of sight.
“I think the highest I had was 61, but I could advise Xhekaj to keep his throw as far as possible,” the goalkeeper said.
As he mentioned to Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau, Montembeault was also happy not to have stood in front of the net during the contest to endure Xhekaj's lightning shot.
“You probably broke your hand on that mitt-side throw,” he estimated with a laugh.
A good throw from Poulin
Of the girls from the Montreal team in attendance, Quebec's Marie-Philip Poulin was the best among the event's competitors with a throwing speed of 84.6 miles per hour.
“It was a bit stressful, I was just happy to get over 80,” Poulin reacted, noting that she was also very impressed with Xhekaj’s shot.