Albert Schmitt, an 18-year-old defenseman, has officially been loaned to Red Bull München, a prominent team in Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). During this season, Schmitt played 38 games in the Finnish league, scoring 13 points with six goals and seven assists, but also earning 20 penalties and a negative plus/minus rating of -3. His performance has made him a notable prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.

This season marks Schmitt's debut with the Latvian U-20 national team, where he played five games in the World Junior Championships and achieved five points (one goal, four assists). He also participated in his first major tournament with the national team during the Milano Cortina Olympics, contributing with two assists across four matches. Despite his team's struggles in the Finnish league, currently sitting 15th out of 16 teams, Schmitt’s individual performance is gaining attention among scouts and analysts.

The loan to Red Bull München is seen as an opportunity for Schmitt to further showcase his talents in a more competitive environment. He is projected to have a high ranking in the NHL draft this year, indicating that he could be a strong candidate for professional contracts in the ice hockey industry. The move reflects not only his potential growth as a player but also the increasing visibility of Latvian athletes in international ice hockey circles, contributing to the country's growing reputation in the sport.