Bears’ Protas named AHL Rookie of the Month for April

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League introduced at present that Hershey Bears ahead Ilya Protas has been chosen because the Higher Deck AHL Rookie of the Month for April.

Protas recorded 11 factors (two objectives, 9 assists) in six video games with Hershey whereas additionally making his NHL debut through the month.

Protas’ month was highlighted by a five-assist, six-point efficiency within the Bears’ 8-1 win at Hartford on Apr. 4. He was recalled by Washington and earned an help in his NHL debut on Apr. 8 earlier than tallying a aim and two assists within the Capitals’ 6-3 win at Pittsburgh on Apr. 11. After 4 video games with the Caps, Protas returned to Hershey and helped the Bears safe a Calder Cup Playoff berth with two assists of their clinching 5-1 win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Apr. 15. He accomplished the common season with a aim and an help in a 5-4 additional time victory vs. Rochester on Apr. 19.

Chosen by Washington within the third spherical of the 2024 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old Protas led all AHL rookies and tied for sixth total in scoring with 66 factors (29 objectives, 37 assists) in 69 video games for Hershey, main the group in objectives, factors, power-play objectives (11) and plus/minus ranking (+17). His 66 factors have been additionally the fourth-most by an adolescent in AHL historical past, and helped him earn a spot on the 2025-26 AHL All-Rookie Staff.