Family ties and hockey triumphs collided in a heartwarming display during Ilya Protas’ final game before the AHL All-Star Break. Imagine scoring a goal and having your biggest supporter—your brother—cheering you on from the stands. That’s exactly what happened when Ilya, playing for the Hershey Bears, lit the lamp for his 18th goal of the season, a moment made even sweeter by the presence of his older brother, Aliaksei, in the crowd. But here’s where it gets even more special: Aliaksei, affectionately known as 'Big Pro,' traveled over 100 miles to the Giant Center, accompanied by his wife, Tanya, and daughter, Alisa, to witness Ilya’s showdown against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The game itself was electric. Just seven minutes and 57 seconds into the first period, Ilya unleashed a rocket from the top of the circles, beating Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov during a power play. This goal, his team-leading 18th, narrowed the Penguins’ lead to 2-1. But it wasn’t just the goal that stole the show—it was Ilya’s celebration. After pumping his fist and embracing his teammates, he turned to the stands and pointed directly at Aliaksei, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed. FOX 43’s Todd Sadowski highlighted the moment, noting, ‘That point from Little Pro to Big Pro was a big shot—both on the ice and in the heart.’
And this is the part most people miss: Shortly after, the Bears honored Aliaksei by introducing him to the crowd alongside Calder Cup champions Garrett Roe and Clay Stevenson. Stevenson, technically still on the Capitals’ roster due to NHL rules requiring two healthy goaltenders, may soon return to Hershey in a roster swap with Garin Bjorklund, allowing him to play during the Olympic break. But let’s pause here—is it fair for NHL roster rules to shuffle players like Stevenson back and forth? It’s a question that sparks debate among fans and analysts alike.
Ilya’s stellar performance didn’t end with his goal. He later assisted on an Ivan Miroshnichenko goal in the second period, marking his 11th multi-point game of an already impressive rookie season. With 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) in 44 games, he sits second among all AHL rookies. Now, Ilya heads to Rockford, Illinois, for the 2026 AHL All-Star Game—a well-deserved nod that, fittingly, he learned about through his brother.
But here’s the real question: In a sport as fast-paced as hockey, how often do we pause to appreciate the family bonds that fuel these athletes? Ilya and Aliaksei’s story reminds us that behind every player is a support system, often unseen but always impactful. What’s your take? Do family moments like these make the game even more meaningful? Let us know in the comments!
