Capitals prospect Ilya Protas signs with Spitfires
WINDSOR, ON – The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Ilya Protas to the Red, White and Navy for the 2024-25 season.
Protas was selected third overall by the Spitfires in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, and hails from Vitebsk, Belarus. He stands at 6’4″ and weighs 196lbs.
Protas played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL in 2023-24, recording 51 points in 61 games (14 goals, 37 assists) before being drafted in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals in the third round, 75th overall.
The Belarusian native is excited to be joining the club.
“It feels amazing, it is an honour to sign with such a great organization,” Protas said. “It felt good to get drafted by Windsor and I am excited to get started.”
Protas’ older brother, Alexei Protas currently plays for the Washington Capitals. He’s a graduate of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, winning a WHL Championship in 2019 before being selected by the Caps in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Bill Bowler spoke on Protas putting pen to paper.
“Ilya is an NHL signed player that can play in any situation and any forward position. He is a big body and will have an immediate impact with our hockey club. We welcome Ilya and his family to Windsor.”
