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Capitals Draft Belarusian Star Ilya Protas, NHL Dreams Await

6/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ilya Protas, an exciting 18-year-old talent from Belarus, was selected by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 draft after an impressive 124-point season in the OHL. With dreams of sharing the NHL ice with his brother, Aliaksei, Ilya faces pivotal choices for next season: return to the Spitfires, join the AHL's Hershey Bears, or secure a spot on the Capitals' roster.

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Story summary

Ilya Protas, an exciting 18-year-old talent from Belarus, was selected by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 draft after an impressive 124-point season in the OHL. With dreams of sharing the NHL ice with his brother, Aliaksei, Ilya faces pivotal choices for next season: return to the Spitfires, join the AHL's Hershey Bears, or secure a spot on the Capitals' roster.