Darren Pang's on-air blunder with Canadiens' Xhekaj explained

In a move reinforcing their defensive line, the Montreal Canadiens have recently re-signed Arber Xhekaj, a robust defenseman, to a two-year contract with an annual average value of $2.6 million.

This deal comes on the heels of an incident last season that stirred notable media buzz.

It was October 14th, 2023, when the Canadiens edged out the Blackhawks 3-2 at the Bell Centre, a game that was memorable not just for the on-ice action but for a slip of the tongue by Blackhawks TV analyst Darren Pang.

While commentating, Pang mistakenly referred to Xhekaj as "Jerk-off," followed by a stifled giggle, an error considering the correct pronunciation is Ja-Kai.

The moment, although minor, sparked giggles from Pang and co-commentator Vosters before the broadcast cut to a break.

The incident, though seemingly minor, underscored the sometimes-unpredictable nature of live sports broadcasting.

Despite the gaffe, Xhekaj, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, didn't let it distract from his performance. Standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 240 lbs, Xhekaj has been a pillar of strength for the Canadiens.

In the 2023-2024 season, he not only set a team record with 81 penalty minutes but also contributed significantly on the scoreboard with 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) across 44 games.

His impact is evident beyond just numbers; Xhekaj ranks second on the team in on-ice ratings with a plus-6 and fourth in hits, amassing 125 throughout the season.

These statistics are part of a growing career that has seen him accumulate 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) and 182 penalty minutes in 95 games since joining the Canadiens as a free agent.

This contract extension is a testament to Xhekaj's growing role within the team, especially in a season that proved challenging for the Blackhawks, who finished with a dismal record of 23-53-6.

What could have been a forgettable moment in a tough season, the nickname flub became a highlight, showcasing the lighter side of sports amidst competitive tensions.

Xhekaj's resilience and performance continue to endear him to Canadiens fans, who will no doubt be watching closely as he defends his team's honor both on and off the ice in the coming seasons.

Source: The Hockey News
Blackhawks TV Analyst Darren Pang Called Canadiens Player What?