Ilya Protas has his home for next season.
The 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Thursday, will play for the Windsor Spitfires after inking an OHL scholarship and development agreement with the club.
“It feels amazing, it is an honour to sign with such a great organization.” Protas, the younger brother of Aliaksei Protas, said in a statement. “It felt good to get drafted by Windsor and I am excited to get started.”
“Ilya is an NHL signed player that can play in any situation and any forward position.” Spitfires GM Bill Bowler added. “He is a big body and will have an immediate impact with our hockey club. We welcome Ilya and his family to Windsor.”
The Spitfires selected Protas third overall in the CHL Import Draft on July 3 after he played last season for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. The CHL Import Draft allows junior teams from the QMJHL, WHL, and OHL to select the rights of players who do not have residency status in either Canada or the United States. Protas grew up and played in Belarus before last year.
Ilya put up 51 points (14g, 37a) in 61 games for Des Moines, the second-highest total on the club. He was named to the USHL’s All-Rookie First Team, led all USHL rookies in assists (37), and tied for second in total power-play goals (6).
The Capitals own Ilya’s NHL rights after selecting him in the third round of the 2024 draft with Aliaksei in attendance at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
