It's no secret that we currently have many guests from North America visiting who are watching your game. Are the NHL scouts something you think about?
Smits: “No, I'm already familiar with that from Finland. I don't think about it anymore, because someone is always watching you. I don't feel pressured by it, I just take the whole thing in stride with a positive attitude.”
We've already talked about how your life revolves around ice hockey, and has done for years. What would it mean to you to be drafted into the NHL next summer?
Smits: "Of course it would mean a lot to me. But there's still a long way to go until summer. I'm trying to stay in the moment. And that means helping my team become champions this year. After the season, I can think about my future.“
With the playoffs coming up, do you already feel the right energy in the locker room?
Smits: ”Yes, of course. We've been talking about it a lot lately. We know we're in the quarterfinals, so we're trying to be ready now and take every game seriously. We've been in playoff mode for a long time."
Is there still time to relax off the ice and clear your head?
Smits: “When I'm fully focused on hockey, as I am now, I try not to get too distracted in my free time. Relax, regenerate, and spend not too much, but also not too little time on other things.”
In an earlier interview, you said that in your free time you like girly pop and singers like Taylor Swift. Are you happy with the music in the locker room so far?
Smits (laughs): “That always depends on the mood. But so far, I'm happy with our locker room DJs after games or practices. I have no complaints.”
You've worn the number 23 at various clubs. Is there a story behind that?
Smits: “Not really. It was my first number as a pro, so I'm just trying to keep it.”
Finally, what are your goals for the next two months in four words?
Smits: “Win the German championship.”
