Ilya Protas cleaned up the Hershey Bears’ regular-season awards for the 2025-26 campaign.
The 19-year-old younger brother of Aliaksei Protas took home hardware for Team MVP, Rookie of the Year, Most Three-Star Nominations, and Best Plus-Minus after posting 66 points in 69 games during his rookie season in the AHL. Despite his young age, Protas led the Bears in goals (29), power-play goals (11), points (66), shots (146), and plus-minus (+16) this season.
Ilya Protas wins the John Travers/Steve Summers Award (best plus-minus)
Entering today’s contest, Protas leads the Bears with a +16 rating, the most by a Bears rookie since defenseman Vincent Iorio during the 2022-23 season, and the most by a Bears rookie forward since Francois Bouchard during the 2008-09 season.
Ilya Protas wins the Kenny Smith Memorial Player of the Game Award (most three-star nominations)
The Kenny Smith Memorial Player of the Game Award is named after former Hershey Bear and Boston Bruins great, Kenny Smith. This award is presented to the player who earns the most Three Stars nominations during the season and is awarded in partnership with Giambalvo Kia and Mitsubishi.
Ilya Protas wins the Jack Gingrich Award (rookie of the year)
Protas currently sits first in scoring among first-year players in the AHL this season with 64 points (28g, 36a) and his achievements were recognized by the league earlier this week after receiving a selection to the 2025-26 AHL All-Rookie Team. The 19-year-old shattered the franchise record for goals in a season by an under-20 player.
Ilya Protas wins the Mountz Jewelers Team MVP Award (best player)
Protas currently sits first in scoring among first-year players in the AHL this season with 64 points (28g, 36a) and his achievements were recognized by the league earlier this week after receiving a selection to the 2025-26 AHL All-Rookie Team. The 19-year-old shattered the franchise record for goals in a season by an under-20 player.
Other award winners included Bogdan Trineyev, who took home the Dan Sernoffsky Memorial Coaches Award, generally given to the team’s most improved player.
Trineyev posted career-highs in multiple offensive categories, including goals (17), assists (27), and points (44), doubling his career high of points (22) from last season. Trineyev, who plays in all situations, also earned his first NHL call-up this season with the Washington Capitals.
Louie Belpedio won the Milton W. Garland Award as the Bears’ best defenseman, while Grant Cruinkshank was named the Hershey Bears Man of the Year and Arlene Tighe Award as the team’s unsung hero.
