Arber Xhekaj to play alongside Logan Mailloux tonight

The Hartford Wolf Pack will be visiting Place Bell tonight to take on the Laval Rocket.

This will be Arber Xhekaj's second career AHL game… and for the occasion, Jean-François Houle has decided to spoil him a little.

WiFi will be used on the Rocket's first pair of defensemen, playing alongside… Logan Mailloux.

The Wolf Pack players had better keep their heads up when the two sturdy young defensemen are on the ice, otherwise things could get pretty shaky.

The duo will be one to watch, as both young defensemen are defensively challenged.

Xhekaj and Mailloux aren't afraid to go on the attack to help their teammates… But one of them will have to stay back, or the Rocket will be going through it all night.

I'm curious to see what strategy the Rocket will employ once they're on the ice.

Jean-François Houle's decision is to be commended.

The Rocket head coach puts Arber Xhekaj in a situation where the youngster has the potential to succeed, and gives him significant responsibility on the ice.

This is how the left-handed defenseman will gain confidence. Because earlier this week,he didn't look like a guy who wanted to play in Laval.

Will it be any different tonight, as this will be his second game back from injury?

The Rocket are in a bit of a slump at the time of writing: they've lost their last eight games and will be looking to get back to winning ways at home.

It won't be easy, though. The Wolf Pack has a 14-4-3 record since the start of the campaign and is one of the best clubs in the American League.

This will be a great opportunity to welcome back Alex Belzile, too.

In gusto

– What great news for the Alouettes.

After Cody Fajardo and Shawn Lemon, it's Darnell Sankey's turn to sign a new contract with the @MTLAlouettes!

Danny Maciocia has been busy!

– RDS (@RDSca) December 8, 2023

– Hard to argue otherwise.

– Liam Foudy is unclaimed in the waivers.

– Good question.