Ilya Protas isn’t at the 2025 World Juniors but joined many of his fellow Washington Capitals prospects in having a huge Thursday. The big Belorussian winger recorded his first career OHL hat trick in the first period of the Windsor Spitfires’ 9-5 win over the Guelph Storm.
However, Lil Pro wasn’t done there. He scored a fourth goal in the third period and added an assist to give him a five-point night. The big performance gave Protas 58 points (25g, 33a) in his first 34 OHL games.
Protas got things started just 2:56 into the first period, being set up by Anthony Cristforo for an easy goal at the left side of Guelph’s net. He tallied again 2:48 later, pumping a wicked wrister by goaltender Colin Ellsworth with Windsor on a two-man advantage.
The 18-year-old forward finished his hat trick 9:46 after his second goal. After failing to find Liam Greentree with a pass at the far post, Protas gathered a loose puck and chipped it over a diving Ellsworth.
Protas wrapped up his career night with a fourth goal 9:41 into the third period. He then provided the secondary assist on Greentree’s lone marker in the win with 4:37 left in regulation.
Windsor’s top line, comprised of Protas, Greentree, and Ethan Belchetz, combined for 12 points (5g, 7a). Protas was named the game’s First Star and the OHL Performer of the Night.
🌟 #OHLPerformer of the Night 🌟@Capitals prospect Ilya Protas had a night to remember on Thursday, scoring four goals and an assist!🚨🚨🚨🚨🍎 This five point performance contributed greatly to the @SpitsHockey big win!✈️👏#OHL | @bastardburrito | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Mj5KiQcFUD
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 3, 2025
Protas, the younger brother of Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas, has been red hot since returning from the Spitfires’ holiday break. In his last four games, Protas has recorded 13 points (6g, 7a).
The 2024 third-round draft pick is fifth in the OHL in scoring with his 58 points. Protas, a six-foot-five, 200-pound forward, has already eclipsed his scoring output from last season in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers. He had 51 points (14g, 37a) in 61 games.
