By: Chris Davis | Follow on Twitter @chrisjdavis11, @DropMittsHockey
With day one of the Boston Bruins development camp wrapping up yesterday, the Bruin’s most anticipated prospect took the ice for the first morning session. Defenseman Mason Lohrei looked poised and ready to compete for a spot on the upcoming 2023-24 Bruins team. Lohrei spent significant time working on his edge work and gap control with Bruins Player Development Coordinator Adam McQuaid. The two spent additional time after practice talking, and he was getting some mentorship from the former National Hockey League defenseman.
When speaking to the media, McQuaid had high praise for the young defensemen saying, “His defending has come a long way, and I think when he is simplifying his game, he can be efficient, and when Lohrei has the opportunities on the offensive side, he can make plays.” After practice, Lohrei noted his goal is to make the team and is trying to improve his game every day while giving himself the best chance to make the big club. When asked what aspects of his game he wanted to improve, he noted his “first three steps, offensive separation, getting a heavier shot in the offensive zone, and being stronger in the defensive areas.”
Lohrei was the 58th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and spent two seasons with the Ohio State University Buckeyes, leaving after his sophomore year. In those two years with Ohio State Mason posted c8-53-61 in 71 career games. He was most noticeable in the NCAA tournament with his exceptional skills and ability to break the puck out of his defensive zone. Lohrei also mentioned that his game evolved from his freshman to his sophomore season, taking on more of a leadership role, trying to do everything right, and leading by example.
After Ohio State was eliminated by Quinnipiac University in the NCAA Division One Men’s Ice Hockey Regional Final in Bridgeport, Lohrei signed a two-year entry-level contract with the NHL Bruins. That same spring, the 6′-4″ 204-pound blueliner played in five games with the Providence Bruins, where he contributed one assist and was a minus -2. In his very short stint with the Providence Bruins, he showed promise as a puck-moving defenseman. Lohrei will see most of his ice time in Providence but could also see some time with the Boston Bruins this season.
With a left side of their defensive core consisting of Hampus Lindholm, Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort, and Jakub Zboril, Lohrei could see some ice time in the NHL this 2023-2024 season. The sky is the limit for Lohrei, and we may see him very soon in a National Hockey League sweater.
Are these sessions open to the public?
The Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Mass are in deed open to the public. Tomorrow is another day of skill training and Friday morning is the Bruins black and white scrimmage.