Alberts Smits makes NHL debut with New York Rangers
The 18-year-old Latvian national team defenseman Alberts Smits made his NHL debut in the New York Rangers' regular-season opener. He said he needed time to adjust in the first period but grew more confident as the game progressed.
The new NHL regular season opened with a milestone moment for Latvian hockey, as 18-year-old Latvia national team defenseman Alberts Smits took to the ice for the New York Rangers.
Speaking to Latvian Television, Smits said that during the first period he needed time to adjust to the pace and conditions of the game. However, by the second and third periods he had settled in and began playing with more confidence.
Smits added that he is not looking too far ahead and is instead focused on living in the present, taking each day as it comes.
