Arber Xhekaj showed courage mixed with his lies.
Today, he admits that he tried to hide his persistent shoulder injury, a physical problem that had haunted his performances since his junior years.
“My left shoulder has bothered me throughout my career, even in juniors, but I never acted on it and should have done it a long time ago. My right shoulder gave out last year and I never had a problem with it and I haven’t had to look back since, I feel great.
Since the start of his career, Arber Xhekaj had learned to deal with this recurring pain. She had become a silent, suffering shadow that accompanied him on the ice at every game.
The club’s doctors, supposed to be paid for their vigilance and expertise, saw nothing but fire. The supposedly thorough examinations turned out to be mere formalities, leaving the young player to play with his hidden pain.
“My shoulder bothered me throughout the season and I hid it because I wanted to play and it’s my fault. This season was important for me. I would have had it looked at at the end of the year, but it’s a good thing to have it sorted out at this point because I’ll be back for training camp.”
Arber chose silence. He was convinced that he could play through the pain, that he could perform at his best despite this pain in his shoulder.
After all, he had already undergone surgery last season due to a right shoulder injury. He couldn’t afford to go through that again, not now, not when his future on the team was on the line.
This is how he chose to hide his weakness behind a mask of confidence and determination. The spectators applauded his exploits when he threw down the gloves, his teammates saluted his courage, but only he and his shoulder knew the truth.
Now, as the season draws to a close, Arber Xhekaj is stepping out of the shadows. He finally reveals the truth about his bruised shoulder, an injury that has followed him for too long.
He says he will be back 100% for training camp, but deep down he knows the negotiations for his new contract will be difficult. He finds himself in a weak position, his value affected by doubt and pain.
Yet, despite the challenges that await him, Arber Xhekaj remains a fighter. He is ready to face uncertainty, to meet the challenge with the same determination that carried him on the ice.
Because beyond contracts, statistics and money, there is a player who refuses to give in, who refuses to let a simple injury dictate the course of his career. We must praise his courage, but point the finger at his lies.
“I decided to hide my left shoulder injury, which had been lingering since my junior years. I thought I could play through it and treat it over the summer after missing so much time last year with my injury in my right shoulder I’m confident I’ll be back 100% for training camp.”
He’s going to lose a lot of money on his next contract. Everybody knows it. A “goon” defender with two damaged shoulders, that sounds bad.
Especially after lying…
“Last time with the right shoulder, I was OK after four months and I was told it will be the same for this arm. There were tears that caused the injury, but once both of my shoulders are repaired, I’ll be myself again.”
It’s just his wallet that won’t agree. Because Kent Hughes is waiting for his agent around the corner. Weak shoulders and lies never pay off.
