[ad_1]
Article content
Ilya Protas quickly had a significant impact on Windsor Spitfires.
Article content
The club’s outstanding championship didn’t attract attention, and the 18-year-old Aboriginal was named the league’s William Hanley Trophy champion. The award was first presented in 1975 and was voted by the league’s general manager for the most athletes in the Ontario Hockey League. Patrick Thomas of the Brantford Bulldogs ranked second in the vote.
Article content
“It’s cool,” said the six-foot-tall 200-pound Niet. “It’s so cool to win and reward in the league, I’m so happy.”
Spitfires won a third round pick in 2024 by the NHL’s Laundry Capitals, adding the third pick in the Canadian Hockey League imported draft.
“You’ll see what he can do on the ice, but he’s a great teammate, it’s awesome,” said Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler.
In the modern era of the club, the Nites became the tenth goal and finished second with 124 points in 61 games while only 34 minutes of free throws. He also received a plus/minus rating of 58, ranking second in the league.
“I don’t expect that much of this season,” Protas said. “The new team, the new city, the new alliance and I didn’t expect to adapt quickly.
“Screamed to the coach, my teammates and teammates. They helped me and provided me with a lot of support and worked hard to push me.”
Article content
Protas is the third player in franchise history to win the award to join Wyatt Johnston, who won the award in 2021-22, while Kyle Wellwood won the award in 2002-2003.
“I’m happy for Ilya,” said Spitfires head coach Greg Walters. “This is the first of many awards. He is the best 200-foot player I have ever coached and he is a better person. Be proud of him.”
Protas will now also serve as the OHL CHL Sportsman nominee, which will be announced in the Memorial Cup Championship next month.
“Being able to play within the rules and play at such an elite level is a huge award,” Bowler said. “That’s what you want every athlete to be.”
jpparker@postmedia.com
twitter.com/winstarparker
Share this article in your social network
[ad_2]
Source link
