( Photo Credit: Green Bay Gamblers / Green Bay Press Gazette )

By: Kyle Outridge  |  Follow Me On Twitter @Kyle_Outridge

We recently looked at five prospects that have gained a lot of attention thanks to their impressive play to start their respective seasons. Today we will update you on two Bruins prospects that have continued to shine in the USHL. Mason Lohrei and Jake Schmaltz are both leading the way for the Green Bay Gamblers. The pair of Boston Bruins prospects are averaging over a point per game pace so far this season.

Defenseman Mason Lohrei

( Photo Credit: Green Bay Gamblers/ USHL )

Defenseman Mason Lohrei, the Bruins second-round selection in the 2020 NHL draft, has accumulated three goals and five assists for eight points in six games played. Those totals have him with a 1.33 point per game average, tied with his teammate Jake Schmaltz.

Mason finished off his 2019-2020 campaign with 37 points in 48 games played, which included eight goals. A mark he’s already on pace to surpass in his second full season in the USHL.

Mason is known for his upper body strength, which he displays often; he has a powerful shot that he can release rather quickly. A small move and the puck is off his stick, add in his skill of navigating tight or congested areas along the boards, and you can quickly see why Mason has found success. The 58th overall selection from the 2020 NHL Draft will, without a doubt, have an entry-level contract coming his way in the near future.

Forward Jake Schmaltz

( Photo Credit: Boston Bruins / NHL.com )

Lohrei’s teammate and fellow Bruins prospect Jake Schmaltz has also been racking up the points early in the year. The left-winger has tallied five goals and three assists for eight points in six games, posting a current 1.33 point per game average. Jake was the 192nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft and has begun to play a more dominant role with the Gamblers. The Wisconsin native had a productive season last year; with his current pace, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him surpass those point totals from just one year ago. In 2019-2020 Jake scored 13 goals and added 19 assists for 32 points.

Schmaltz is no stranger to racking up points wherever he plays; in USHS, he tallied 100 points in two years, which he appeared in 48 games. Jake’s an effective two-way winger that can find the open man or flat out bury the puck in the back of the net. The 19-year-old has his work cut out for him to find himself with an entry-level deal. If he can continue his consistent play and production, there is no reason why Jake won’t be in the Providence Bruins lineup in the near future.

However, the uncertainty may cause some players to look for playing opportunities elsewhere should this cancellation become a reality. Prospects in their final years will more than likely find themselves loaned to European teams as we currently see many other players doing with the pandemic taking its toll on hockey and all sports.