Munich, Bavaria, Germany – In a rare occurrence for a player from the PENNY DEL, defenseman Alberts Smits was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. Smits, who recently played for EHC Red Bull Munich, was picked fifth overall, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the Munich organization.
Smits’ Journey to the NHL Draft
Although officially listed as a player for Jukurit Mikkeli, Smits spent the latter part of the previous season on loan to EHC Red Bull Munich. This move proved beneficial for all parties involved: Jukurit received NHL compensation, Munich gained a skilled defenseman for 16 games, and Smits showcased his talent to NHL scouts who were frequently present at Munich’s home games at the SAP Garden.
Smits, speaking to FloHockey before the draft, emphasized the value of his time in the PENNY DEL. He stated that experiencing “two different hockey styles” in the past season had been incredibly beneficial for his development. “I gained a lot of experience this way. This will only be useful to me in the future,” he remarked. His participation in various leagues and international tournaments with Latvia, including the Deutschland Cup, Olympics, and World Championships, also helped him understand “how to prepare mentally when moving from one place to another,” a crucial aspect for young talents aspiring to the NHL.
EHC Red Bull Munich: A Springboard to the NHL
Christian Winkler, Managing Director Sports for Red Bull Ice Hockey, expressed immense pride in Smits’ achievement, calling it a “childhood dream” fulfilled. Winkler added, “We are also somewhat proud to have accompanied and supported him on his way there, even if only for a short time, in the final meters.”
Smits’ drafting completes an “NHL hat-trick” for Munich. In the preceding weeks, defenseman Phillip Sinn signed with the San Jose Sharks, and goaltending coach Patrick Dallaire secured a contract with an NHL organization. Additionally, Matt McIlvane, who began his coaching career as an assistant with the Red Bulls, has now joined the Boston Bruins as an assistant coach to Marco Sturm. McIlvane will also be coaching JJ Peterka, a forward whose professional career he helped guide in Munich, a fact solidified on yesterday’s draft day.
Furthermore, several NHL clubs, including the Edmonton Oilers, showed interest in EHC forward Veit Oswald, who ultimately decided to play another year in Munich in the PENNY DEL. Winkler views this growing NHL interest as a testament to the organization’s success: “This shows that we are on a very good path in the areas of development, as well as education and training.”
Looking Ahead: Draft Continues
The 2026 NHL Draft, which saw top pick Gavin McKenna in the first round, continues today with rounds two through seven in Buffalo. German talents like Tobias Krämer from Adler Mannheim are also hoping to be selected by an NHL organization.
Source: https://www.eishockeynews.de/artikel/nhl-draft-2026-smits-komplettiert-den-muenchner-hattrick-1231796
