Admir Bala Biography

[Tyler 885]

 

Admir Bala was born in Bern, Switzerland on June 4th 2004 to an Albanian family who had settled in Switzerland in the 1990's. Sport, and hockey in particular, was always a key part of his life. His father is a former Albanian international footballer who played in the Swiss League, while his mother was a former basketball player who played in multiple leagues across Europe. Life was not particularly difficult for the youngster. Switzerland has a relatively large Albanian and Kosovar Albanian population and with his fathers relative fame, he was afforded certain privilege's, in sport or otherwise.  He has an older sister who is 22 years old and currently living in London, England and studying to become a barrister. He is as quiet in person as he is on the ice, preferring to let his game on the ice do the talking. He has a certain quiet confidence in his personality that is a standout trait when meeting him. 

 

Growing up, it became incredibly clear that the youngest Bala had a sporting aptitude gained from his parents. Whether it was football, tennis or ice hockey, he was clearly a level above most kids his age. Hockey was introduced to him when he was six years old as he began to learn to skate. It allowed him something to strive for which was playing with the other kids in the Swiss young ranks. His first love was hockey team SC Bern of the Swiss National League, one of the countries (and continents) premier hockey teams in their day. 

 

He began playing as a forward early on before transition to defense. His early beginnings as a forward is evidenced by his skating ability. Skating has always been something he takes pride in, both in terms of straight-line speed and ability to transition quickly, notably agility. He first played in low levels before being scouted by Bern scouts, eventually signing for and playing within their youth ranks. His first meaningful hockey came playing for Bern's U15 side where he, at this point a defenseman, had 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 32 games as a 14 year old. He was big, solid on his feet and played a mature game which caught the eye of scouts. His ability to deal with pressure and pressing from forwards is perhaps his best asset on the ice. He is always thinking of the best way to get out of a problem on the ice, once again showcasing his problem solving and maturity. 

 

Through hard work he progressed through the ranks, eventually agreeing to sign for Bern's under 20 team as a 16 year old. He played sparingly and largely was used as a 7th defenseman that season but gained valuable insight into what it took to be a professional. He trained hard, ate right and studied the game off the ice, ultimately agreeing to play his 17 year old season for the same club, this time in a substantially more important role. Though this was his dream club, a change of plans was in store as his agent, his father, informed him of interest from the Halifax 21st of the VHLM. Though weary of the change, he was eventually convinced, signing for the team and playing out the remainder of the season and the playoffs with the team from the east coast of Canada. 

 

Later that year, he was drafted in the VHLM draft by the Saskatoon Wild with the 16th pick. He was viewed as a projectable player with a very high floor, all be it perhaps a lower ceiling than some. He fit in well with Saskatoon but the cyclical nature of the league meant he was a tradable asset which became true when he was moved to the contending San Diego Marlins. He improved steadily on the team eventually playing an important role on the blueline as the team won the Founders Cup, the VHLM's top prize. He is back in his final VHLM eligible season where he currently has taken a step offensively being one of the minor leagues top players at that position.

 

In the meantime, he has also been drafted by two other teams. First, by the Oslo Storm of VHL-Europe where he is likely to apply his trade next season if not traded. He has also been drafted, fittingly, by HC Davos of the VHL, a team in the country he was born in. He remains a projectable good tools player who may have a limited ceiling once he arrives in the professional ranks but who is likely to be a solid number 3 or number 4 defenseman for the duration of his career. He could stand to improve his offensive abilities as he is unlikely to become a major point producer on a contending team in the VHL at this point. 

 

((Not sure I've wrote one of these in 10 years so bear with me lol))

[jacobcarson877 2,541]

Awesome article! You've been such a huge part of our success in San Diego and I'm so excited to see where this career takes you!