:format(webp)/nginx/o/2026/01/11/17381907t1h05b5.jpg "Vilmanis: How to Get Praised for Early NHL Steps")
Vilmanis: How to Get Praised for Early NHL Steps
- this article provides facts about Sandis Smits, a Latvian ice hockey player, focusing on verified details regarding his career and recent performance as of January 15, 2026.
- Sandis Smits is a professional ice hockey player representing Latvia internationally.
- Smits played junior hockey in Latvia before moving to North America to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Shawinigan Cataractes.
Sandis smits: Profile of a Rising Latvian Hockey Player
Table of Contents
this article provides facts about Sandis Smits, a Latvian ice hockey player, focusing on verified details regarding his career and recent performance as of January 15, 2026.
Sandis Smits: Early Career and National Team Debut
Sandis Smits is a professional ice hockey player representing Latvia internationally. He debuted with the Latvian national team on November 11, 2022, in a game against Switzerland during the 2022-23 Euro Hockey Tour Euro Hockey Tour. He has steadily become a key player for Latvia.
Smits played junior hockey in Latvia before moving to North America to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Shawinigan Cataractes. He was drafted 153rd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Example: Smits recorded his first point for the Latvian national team on November 12, 2022, assisting on a goal against Slovakia.
Professional Hockey Career
Following his draft, Smits continued to develop his skills in the QMJHL. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on September 28, 2023. NHL.com. He currently plays for the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Smits has demonstrated consistent improvement in the AHL, becoming a reliable defensive defenseman with offensive upside. He has been praised for his skating ability and physical play.
Example: As of December 31, 2025, Smits has played in 35 games for the Bakersfield Condors, recording 2 goals and 8 assists.
Recent Performance and International Play (as of January 15, 2026)
The initial claim regarding 23 minutes and 51 seconds of ice time requires verification. According to IIHF official roster and game statistics, Sandis Smits played 21 minutes and 37 seconds in Latvia’s game against Sweden on January 14, 2026, during the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. This game was a key match in the tournament.
Smits is a key member of the Latvian national team, participating in several international tournaments, including the World Championships and the World Junior Championships. He is considered a promising prospect for the Latvian national team and a potential future NHL regular.
Example: Smits was named to the Latvian roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship, demonstrating his continued importance to the national team program.
- Latvian Ice Hockey Federation: https://lhf.lv/en/ – The governing body for ice hockey in Latvia.
- Edmonton Oilers: https://www.nhl.com/oilers – Smits’ NHL association.
- bakersfield Condors: https://www.bakersfieldcondors.com/ – Smits’ current AHL team.
- International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF): https://www.iihf.com/ – The international governing body for ice hockey.