Red Bull Munich Signs Latvian Ice Hockey Player Alberts Smits

Munich – EHC Red Bull Munich has bolstered its defensive ranks with the signing of Latvian prospect Alberts Šmits, the German Hockey League club announced today, February 26, 2026. The 18-year-old defenseman joins the Red Bulls from Mikkelin Jukurit of the Finnish Liiga on a contract that extends through the end of the 2025/26 season.

Šmits is widely regarded as one of the top European talents eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, with scouts consistently highlighting his potential. He participated in the recent Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, becoming the only draft-eligible player of his age to feature in the tournament for Latvia. Šmits appeared in all four of Latvia’s Olympic games, contributing two assists.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 194 pounds, Šmits brings a significant physical presence to the Red Bull Munich defense. His arrival is expected to add both size and skill to the team’s back end. He currently plays as a left-handed defenseman.

Šmits’s journey to professional hockey is notable for its early independence. He left Latvia in 2021, at the age of 13, to pursue better opportunities in Finland, initially living alone in Helsinki while his parents remained in Latvia. He faced challenges finding accommodation, eventually residing with an elderly woman near his club’s rink, Karhu-Kissat. This early experience fostered a level of self-reliance that scouts have noted as a key attribute.

Prior to joining EHC Red Bull Munich, Šmits was making a significant impact in the Finnish Liiga with Mikkelin Jukurit. In 29 games this season, he registered 12 points, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. His Corsi-for percentage frequently exceeds 50 percent, indicating strong possession numbers and defensive contributions.

Šmits’s development has been closely followed by NHL scouts, with some drawing comparisons to Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider. Like Seider, Šmits is a large, offensively-minded defenseman who has demonstrated the ability to excel even while playing against more experienced competition. One scout, as reported by Daily Faceoff, described Šmits as “fearless,” praising his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Latvia has a growing reputation as a producer of hockey talent, with Zemgus Girgensons previously being the nation’s highest-drafted player (14th overall in 2012). Šmits is now widely projected to surpass that mark in the 2026 NHL Draft, potentially becoming the highest-drafted Latvian player in history.

The addition of Šmits represents a significant investment in the future for EHC Red Bull Munich. The team is currently preparing for the remainder of the German Hockey League season, and Šmits’s arrival is expected to provide a boost to their playoff aspirations. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence will be crucial as the team navigates the competitive landscape of the league.

Šmits’s participation in the Winter Olympics, despite his young age and draft eligibility, underscores his potential and the high regard in which he is held within the international hockey community. His performance on the Olympic stage further solidified his position as a top prospect and attracted the attention of clubs across Europe and North America.

The Red Bulls’ acquisition of Šmits highlights their commitment to developing young talent and building a competitive roster capable of contending for championships. The team’s management believes that Šmits will be a valuable asset both on and off the ice, contributing to the team’s success while also serving as a role model for aspiring young players.

EHC Red Bull Munich will next face Ingolstadt on Friday, February 27, 2026, followed by a game against Kölner Haie on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Šmits’s debut with the team is anticipated in the coming weeks, providing fans with an opportunity to witness the arrival of one of the most promising young defensemen in the world.