“i think i’m more of a playmaker,” protas said. “(friday), i was just lucky to score goals and i think i’m more playmaker looking for the pass than the goal.”
for the 18-year-old protas, friday’s game marked what will likely be his only exhibition game with the spitfires as he was set to leave for camp with washington on saturday. still, he believes his camp time with the spitfires was important ahead of the season.
“this is awesome thing, i (got to) meet all the players, i like hanging out with them, meet coaching staff, meet everyone here and understand how the team playing and how the coaches want me to play,” protas said. “i’m so lucky to get here before (nhl) camp. i hope we’ll be good this year and i know we will be. i can’t wait to start the season.”
cole davis also scored for the spitfires along with rookie first-round pick ethan belchetz and second-round pick j.c. lemieux.
rookie goalie michael newlove started the game and stopped 10-of-11 shots before giving way to rookie goalie jake windbiel midway through the second period. he stopped 14-of-16 shots with the the spitfires holding a 38-27 edge in shots overall.
the spitfires now hit the road on sunday for an exhibition match against the flint firebirds at 4 p.m.