Windsor Spitfires Select Belarusian Forward Ilya Protas in 2024 CHL Import Draft

The 2024 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft was held today and the Spitfires made one selection with the 3rd overall pick, drafting 2006-born Belarusian forward Ilya Protas.

Protas, from Belarus, stands at 6’4 and spent the 2022-23 season with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, recording 51 points (14-37-51) in 61 games. He was just drafted 75th overall to the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Ilya has also suited up for Team Belarus, in 2022-23 he played for both the U17 and U18 teams and appeared in 39 games and collected 43 points (24 goals, 19 assists).