NHL Draft in Buffalo: Alberts Šmits breaks record, drafted 5th overall by New York Rangers

Buffalo hosted the NHL draft for the third time in history. This year, Latvian hockey fans had a special reason to pay attention: defenseman Alberts Šmits of the Latvian national team was predicted to be selected with a record-high pick for his country.

The prediction came true as Šmits was chosen in the first round with the 5th overall pick by the New York Rangers. This marks the highest draft selection ever for a Latvian player.