Ilya Protas Goal & Brother Celebration | Hershey Bears Hockey

Hershey Bears forward Ilya Protas delivered a performance for the ages in his final game before the AHL All-Star Break, fueled by the presence of family in the stands. The game, a matchup against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, took on added significance as Ilya’s older brother, Aliaksei Protas, travelled over 100 miles to witness the contest.

A Family Affair at Giant Center

Aliaksei was accompanied by his wife, Tanya, and their daughter, Alisa, adding a personal touch to the evening. The timing coincided with the NHL’s pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics, allowing Aliaksei to support his brother’s game.

Did You Know? Ilya Protas learned of his AHL All-Star selection through his brother, Aliaksei.

A Goal and an Assist

Ilya marked the occasion with a standout performance on the ice. He scored his team-leading 18th goal of the season just seven minutes and 57 seconds into the first period, narrowing the Penguins’ lead to 2-1. The goal came on the power play, with Protas sending a shot past Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov.

Protas didn’t stop there. He later added an assist on a goal by Ivan Miroshnichenko in the second period, achieving his 11th multi-point game of his rookie season. Through 44 games, he has accumulated 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists), the second-highest total among all AHL rookies.

Expert Insight: The presence of family often serves as a powerful motivator for athletes, and Protas’s performance suggests a clear connection between personal support and on-ice success.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Following his goal, Protas acknowledged his brother in the stands, pointing towards Aliaksei’s suite. The Hershey Bears then recognised Aliaksei, along with fellow Calder Cup champions Garrett Roe and Clay Stevenson, during the game. It was noted that Stevenson’s presence on the Capitals’ roster is tied to NHL requirements regarding goaltender availability during the Olympic break, and a potential exchange with Garin Bjorklund may occur.

Ilya Protas is now set to participate in the 2026 AHL All-Star Game in Rockford, Illinois, a testament to his impressive rookie season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Ilya Protas’s goal total for the season prior to the All-Star Break?

Ilya Protas had scored 18 goals prior to the AHL All-Star Break.

Who joined Aliaksei Protas in attending Ilya’s game?

Aliaksei Protas was joined by his wife, Tanya, and their daughter, Alisa.

How many points did Ilya Protas have in 44 games?

Ilya Protas had 37 points (18 goals and 19 assists) in 44 games.

What does a strong showing like this mean for a young player’s development and future opportunities within the sport?