After doubling his rookie point total, Raider forward Aliaksei Protas has been named an Eastern Conference First-Team All-Star. (Lucas Chudleigh/Apollo Multimedia)

By paNOW Staff

First Team

Protas, Schneider named first-team all-stars

Apr 7, 2020 | 2:00 PM

The Viper of Vitebsk and a highly touted Prince Albert prospect have both been named to the WHL’s Eastern Conference first all-star team.

Raider forward Aliaksei Protas and Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Braden Schneider, a native of Prince Albert, were among the six players named as first-team all stars on Tuesday.

In his sophomore season, the Belarusian Protas established himself as the Raiders’ offensive leader in establishing career highs with 31 goals and 80 points in 58 games played. His point total placed him eighth league wide. In December, Protas left the Raiders to represent his home country at the world junior championships for the second straight year.

As a rookie, Protas put up a respectable 40 points in the regular season, but really broke out in the postseason as he finished with 12 goals and 22 points in 23 games played, good for fifth in the WHL. This performance drew the attention of the Washington Capitals who selected the 6’6” forward 91^st overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, signing him to an entry-level contract within weeks.

Barring a jump straight to the Capitals, Protas is expected to return to the Raiders for one more season in the fall.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

6h ago

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

As a third year WHLer, Schneider continued to establish himself among the best defenceman in the league, contributing 42 points from the back end. Beyond his point total, however, Schneider brings a complete game with a blend of physicality and skill that has the attention of NHL scouts.

Due to his late September birthday, the 2001-born Schneider is only eligible for the draft this year, so professional brass will have had plenty of opportunity to evaluate him. In addition to his time with the Wheat Kings, Schneider took part in a number of elite events including the Under-18 World Championships, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the CIBC Canada Russia Series, and Hockey Canada’s world junior summer showcase and selection camp.

In January, Schneider was ranked eighth among all North American skaters heading into the draft by NHL Central Scouting, placing him second among WHL players behind Raider defenceman Kaiden Guhle.

WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team

Goaltender – Jiri Patera (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Defenceman – Calen Addison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Defenceman – Braden Schneider (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Forward – Dylan Cozens (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Forward – James Hamblin (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Forward – Aliaksei Protas (Prince Albert Raiders)

WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team

Goaltender – Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Defenceman – Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs)

Defenceman – Johnny Ludvig (Portland Winterhawks)

Forward – Adam Beckman (Spokane Chiefs)

Forward – Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks)

Forward – Connor Zary (Kamloops Blazers)

The league announced second-team conference all-stars on Monday, including Raider goaltender Max Paddock and Prince Albert native Riley Sawchuk of the Edmonton Oil Kings.

–

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow