A multi-fiber splice protector includes a strength member having at least one wall arranged in a tubular shape with a longitudinal opening extending through the wall to permit passage of a coated optical fiber into an inner cavity, with a thermoplastic hotmelt material arranged in the inner cavity. The longitudinal opening has a first width between 1 and 2 times the diameter of one coated optical fiber, while the inner cavity has a second width that is significantly greater than the first width to permit fusion spliced optical fibers to be not exclusively arranged in a 1-D array in the inner cavity. A fiber optic cable assembly including a multi-fiber splice protector with thermoplastic hotmelt material encapsulating fusion splice joints is further provided. Additionally provided is a method for forming a fiber optic cable assembly.