Ilya Protas Became The Best Rookie In The AHL

• 24.04.2026, 15:02

For the first time in history it was given to a Belarusian.

The American Hockey League has announced that Belarusian Hershey Bears forward Ilya Protas has won the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL's top rookie for the 2025-2026 season.

Ilya Protas became the first Belarusian in history to receive this award.

The winner was voted on by coaches, players and media from 32 cities in the league.

It should be noted that Ilya Protas became the second Bears player in history to receive the Garrett Award. Prior to that, only Ron Hextall won it in the 1985-1986 season.