By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter @BlackAndGold277
Last week the Providence Bruins signed defensive prospect Mason Lohrei to an Amateur Try-Out agreement after his 2022-23 NCAA commitment was over at Ohio State. One of the key reasons for the Boston Bruins sustained success is their ability to develop promising young prospects who go on to become valuable contributors at the National Hockey League level. The next player to take that important step forward is Mason Lohrei.
Lohrei is a 6′-4 “, 209-pound defensive prospect from Verona, Wisconsin. The Bruins drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, which was virtually done due to the height of the recent pandemic, and since then, he’s been working hard to showcase his talents and earn his way into the professional ranks.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes defenseman posted 8-53-61 numbers in 71 games of NCAA hockey in the challenging Big-Ten Conference. Before starting his college career, he played two seasons in the United States Hockey League for the Green Bay Gamblers. Lohrei led the USHL in assists in his rookie season to go on to his second year earning Defenseman of the Year honors leading all defensemen in the league in goals, assists, and points.
Lohrei will take a big step in his development when he makes his pro hockey debut for the American Hockey League Providence Bruins this week. For Lohrei, this is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport he loves.
Lohrei is a player who has always impressed his coaches and teammates with his work ethic and determination. He brings an excellent combination of size, strength, and skill to the ice, making him a formidable defensive presence. He’s known for his poise and outstanding defensive play in all three zones, and he’s expected to be a valuable asset to the NHL Boston Bruins for years to come.
The Bruins organization is excited about Lohrei’s debut with their top minor-pro affiliate in Providence, as it provides an opportunity to assess his progress and get a glimpse of what he can offer to the B’s organization. Mason is an excellent addition to the AHL Bruins’ roster, and his debut will be watched closely by fans and experts alike to see how he handles the pressure of playing professionally.
In an official Providence Bruins Press Release, B’s Head Coach Ryan Mougenel had this to say about Lohrei’s potential arrival to the minor-pro ranks this week. “One attribute that stands out is Mason’s poise with the puck. He skates really well, and he has length. He is a presence. He sees the game really well and has great vision. We’ll take it day-by-day and keep growing his game.”
Lohrei has been preparing for his debut for years, both physically and mentally. He has been training hard, watching game footage, and working closely with his supporting staff to prepare for this moment. Lohrei has a great outlook on his upcoming debut and is excited to join the minor-pro ranks and make an immediate impact.
The Bruins have had a long history of successfully developing defensive prospects, and Lohrei is the latest player to join that impressive list. Players like Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo have all successfully made the jump from prospect to star player for the Bruins. However, history also shows that not all prospects reach their full potential, and many face significant challenges along the way.
If he gets into tonight’s action against the Hershey Bears at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, it will be exciting for the Bruins organization and their fans. The Bears are always a tough team to play against, and the Bruins will need to be on top of their game to come out with a victory. As for Lohrei, he’ll need to remain focused and stay true to the skills and techniques that earned him this opportunity.
In conclusion, Mason Lohrei’s debut in Providence this evening is an important moment for the Boston Bruins as they continue their tradition of fielding a strong team built on developing home-grown talent. We wish Lohrei all the best as he takes this important step forward in his professional career, and we look forward to seeing how he performs in the future.
Expecting big things from this kid