Alberts Šmits, an 18-year-old rising star in Latvian hockey, will be loaned to Munich's Red Bull team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for the remainder of the season. Previously, he played for the Finnish league team Mikkeli Jukurit, where he accumulated 13 points over 38 games this season, consisting of six goals and seven assists. Jukurit currently finds itself near the bottom of the Finnish league standings, sitting in 15th place with 59 points from 52 games.

The move to the DEL, where Red Bull is currently positioned third with 87 points from 45 games, offers Şmits the opportunity to continue his development in a more competitive environment. As the season progresses and with playoffs approaching, the experience in a more successful team could provide valuable insights and skills that Šmits can leverage. His performance is especially significant as he is anticipated to be a high draft pick in the upcoming NHL draft this summer, which speaks volumes about his potential within the sport.

Furthermore, Šmits represented the Latvian national team during the recent Olympics in Milan and Cortina, showcasing his abilities on an international stage. The sports director of Jukurit, Miko Hakarainens, praised Šmits’ season and highlighted the anticipation surrounding his participation in the DEL playoffs, expressing hope for Šmits to further enhance his skills in this critical phase of his career.