December 30th, 2025
Latvia 6 VS Denmark 3
Venue: 3M Arena at Marriucci
#23 D, Alberts Smits
Team: Latvia (Jukurit, Liiga)
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 205 Ibs
Shoots: Left
DOB: December 2nd, 2007
Overview:
Smits thrives as a heavy shooting quarterback on the powerplay with seeing eye vision. He plays with composure and patience under pressure, rarely forcing plays and often outthinking his opponents. Offensively, he creates chances with smart activations and lateral movement at the point, especially when pinching in the offensive zone. His shot no doubt about it is considered to be his best offensive trait, showcasing effortless power and understands how to keep it low, due to his crisp follow through mechanics. Defensively, Smits excels in structured systems, using his reach effectively to break up odd-man rushes and control gaps. However, in one-on-one matchups, particularly against speedier forwards, he can get exposed due to limited acceleration and occasional overcommitment. His 6’3” frame is an asset, but he still relies too much on reach rather than consistent physical engagement. Improving his lower-body strength and explosiveness could significantly elevate his transition game and defensive impact. When discussing his passing, although has the vision, does not make it the most crisp, not making it easy to transition up the rush or to receive it on the powerplay.
Player Projection:
Ceiling: Top-3, Goal Scoring Defenseman
Floor: Top-5 Offensive Defenseman
Special Teams: Power Play Quarterback
Production Outlook: 55–65 Points
Pick Range: 10th~Overall
Player Comp: Jakob Chychrun
- Lateral Skating Mechanics: Allows him to transition with/without the puck very smoothly.
- Poise in O-zone: Great offensive awareness and calm decision-making and understands how to utilize his shot.
- Goal Scoring Ability: Effortless power and great accuracy due to great confidence when shooting along with understanding how to follow through his shot low.
Weaknesses:
- Passing/Puck Skills: Although has the vision to know where his surroundings are, his passes are not crisp, not aiding the transition of play. Also tends to be a bit sloppy when deking, should have the puck closer to him.
- Skating Acceleration: While good mechanics, does not generate a lot of power/explosiveness in his strides due to lack of lower-body strength.
- Physicality: Although good size, he does not use it enough to his advantage by throwing impactful hits (In this game, displayed great improvement by getting involved physically).
In-game Observations:
- At 13:10 of the 1st period, Smits was showcasing his deking wasn’t the most coordinated and he turned the puck over in his own zone.
- Throughout the whole game, showcased great confidence at getting pucks low and on goal, displayed quick yet powerful hip rotation mechanics. On the powerplay he drew a penalty at 2:30 of the 2nd, showcased confidence of walking in and quickly snapping it home.
- At 2:30 of the 2nd, showcased great lateral footwork and agility to shield puck on the rush, he drew a tripping penalty on the opposition.
- At 14:59 of the 2nd, he again showcases confidence when shooting, but most importantly, utilizing all of his linemates on the PP, displayed heavy wrist shot which was deflected in.
- Throughout the game, although showcases ability to control gaps with reach, in his own end, he tends to chase after the opposition, leaving open space in his zone.
Skater Ratings:
- Skating: 6.5
- Puck Skills: 5
- Scoring Ability: 7.5
- Playmaking Ability: 5.5
- Hockey Sense/IQ: 6.5
- Character: 5
- Physicality: 5
- Defensive Play: 6