Ilya Protas Leads Hershey Bears in Points, Goals Early in Career

The Hershey Bears are witnessing a standout performance from rookie Ilya Protas, who is making an impressive impact in his early career. The nineteen-year-old currently leads the Bears in points and goals, with ten points in fourteen games and five goals, tying him with veteran Matt Strome.

Ilya Protas: Rising Star in Hershey Bears’ Roster

Ilya Protas, a rookie center, has quickly established himself as a key player for the Hershey Bears. He recently completed his first professional three-game weekend, scoring five points (3 goals, 2 assists) and helping his team secure victories in all three matches.

Impressive Start to the Season

Protas’s performance stands out against the backdrop of Bears history. The last rookie to lead the team in points was Connor McMichael, who registered 27 points during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. The last to lead in goals was Ethen Frank, who scored 30 goals in the 2022-23 season. Both players now compete in the NHL with the Washington Capitals.

• Protas: 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games
• Last rookie to lead in points: Connor McMichael (27 points)
• Last rookie to lead in goals: Ethen Frank (30 goals)

Acknowledging Teammates

Protas credits his success to his teammates, particularly Bogdan Trineyev and Matt Strome. He emphasizes their role in his confidence-building efforts throughout games. His recent performance includes pivotal plays, such as a game-winning assist against the Syracuse Crunch and consistent scoring against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Head Coach’s Trust

Head coach Derek King has provided Protas with ample opportunities, placing him in critical situations. Protas plays on the first power-play unit and has been involved in both offensive and defensive strategies. King believes Protas’s hockey background contributes to his success, noting his continual improvement week after week.

Future Aspirations

Setting his sights on the NHL, Protas understands the need for continuous growth in his game. He recognizes the physical demands of professional hockey and is focused on enhancing his 200-foot play, including defensive responsibilities. Protas aims to demonstrate consistency to captivate the attention of NHL scouts.

An Eye on Family and Future

As Protas builds his career, he remains close to his family, especially his older brother, Aliaksei. Their bond motivates him to strive for excellence. Protas is also keeping an eye on the Washington Capitals, hoping to join his brother in the NHL someday.

For the upcoming game against the Cleveland Monsters, Protas may have a new linemate, Ivan Miroshnichenko, who returns from injury. The collaboration among Miroshnichenko, Trineyev, and Protas is expected to be dynamic as they communicate in Russian during practices.

Ilya Protas is not just an emerging talent; he is a player to watch as he leads the Hershey Bears in points and goals early in his career.