If you find that the Canadian is not big enough, there are two prospects who will play with weight for the Laval Rocket this season.

Luke Tuch, 1.80 m tall and weighing 90 kg, and Florian American, before he decided on the Canadian.

Tuch, who played four seasons at Boston University, played two games for the Rocket at the end of last season, while Xhekaj, who played the last two seasons in the OHL, joined the Rocket for three games after the Brantford Bulldogs were eliminated.

Both players play on the left wing, but Xhekaj played midfielder in the youth teams last year. Could Pascal Vincent be tempted to convert one into a right winger to have a strong trio?

“It’s really too early to think about it,” replied the new Rocket head coach.

In training on Friday, Xhekaj and Tuch formed a trio with right winger Tyler Thorpe, another man of 1.80 m and 100 kg. It would be interesting to play against the young Leafs on Saturday and Sunday.

Bigger

The 22-year-old Tuch and the 20-year-old Xhekaj had the same goal in the summer season.

“My goal is to get bigger, stronger and faster every summer,” said the first.

“I wanted to gain weight,” Xhekaj said. I think I’ve done a little bit, but I’m not finished yet. I also wanted to gain strength and speed because no matter where I play, I have to be prepared for bigger players.

When it is pointed out that his style of play is tailor-made for American League hockey and is rougher than that of the NHL, Xhekaj quickly admits.

“Oh, absolutely!”

Physically

The physical game of the AHL doesn’t bother Luke Tuch in the slightest.

“College hockey is also physical, but in the American League it’s a little different. I’ve only played two games, but I like to hit, I like to play rough and I think I’m nasty, that’s what I want to take to the next level.

“I want to be a guy who is reliable on both sides of the puck while also being physical. A power forward has a tough shot and will do whatever it takes to get the puck in the net, even if he takes a beating.

For his part, Xhekaj talks about adapting to a more mature style of hockey.

“I’m only 20 years old, while they’re all mature men. Some have kids, they’ve grown up and are strong. So it’s harder to contain them than it was in the Ontario League.”

Big Brothers

Aside from being power forwards, Tuch and Xhekaj have something else in common. They both have an older brother who already plays in the NHL.

Luke’s brother Alex wears the colors of the Buffalo Sabres, while Florian’s brother needs no introduction.

The two young men benefit from the experience of the seniors during summer training. Arber also said in a podcast that Florian could become a force because he grew up with him.

“When we were young, we often argued, even when we were playing ball hockey with my father in the street. It ended in an argument and I went into the house and complained to my mother about Arber, but I think it strengthened me and helped me in the end,” he admitted with a laugh.

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