By: Kyle Outridge | Follow Me On Twitter @Kyle_Outridge
At a time when typically we would be swallowed up with NHL action nightly, we find ourselves without Bruins hockey and a clear timeline for when they’ll return to action. However, the Bruins prospects in the NCAA and the USHL have returned to action, and a few have been making an impact early for their teams. Let’s take a skate and view the prospects currently producing and making big impacts for their respective clubs. We will begin in the NCAA with two prospects playing for the same University, the Michigan Wolverines.
Jack Becker, the 2015 seventh-round selection of the Boston Bruins, has begun his fourth season with the Michigan Wolverines. Coming off nearly three full seasons and improving each season, Becker hopes to make his case for an entry-level deal with the Bruins. The 23 – year-old centreman is also wearing the captain’s “C” this season and has been a leader who leads with his work ethic. Jack has tallied 44 points in 105 games with the Wolverines; so far this season, Becker has been showcasing his playmaking abilities from the middle as he has two assists through four games. Playing big minutes is nothing new for the Senior, and Head Coach Mel Pearson will rely heavily on the Bruins prospect.
Up next, we have John Beecher, the first-round selection of the Boston Bruins in 2019, and currently teammates with fellow Bruins prospect, Jack Becker. John has begun his sophomore season, coming off a 16 point season as a freshman, tallying nine goals and seven assists. The 19- year – old centerman will see an increased role under Wolverines head coach Mel Pearson this season; so far, Johnny Beecher has tallied one goal in four games; he’s been impressive in all aspects of the game since the season began, you can expect the points totals to rise.
Dustyn McFaul from Ontario, Canada, was the sixth round selection for the Boston Bruins in 2018. Dustyn following his freshman season last year, racking up seven points in thirty-one games played. This year the six foot two, left-shot defender will play a bigger role on the blue line for Clarkson U, one thing Dustyn will not shy away from. He has played in one game season, and although he did not tally a point, his shifts were strong, and he will definitely rack up points as the season wears on. Look for McFaul to be a force this season.
Up next, we head to the USHL, where a pair of players are leading the way early. We begin with Jake Schmaltz as he enters his second season with the Gamblers and his third in the USHL. Boston’s seventh-round selection in 2019, and this year he is an assistant captain in Green Bay. The 19-year-old winger is making his case and presence known, currently with two goals and three assists, and is committed to the University of North Dakota for next season.
Mason Lohrei, the Boston Bruins second-round selection from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mason was selected at the recent 2020 NHL Draft and is a member of the Green Bay Gamblers. The rearguard has had a hot start to his USHL season. Coming off an impressive rookie campaign with the Gamblers, Mason has picked up right where he left off. Lohrei has buried two goals while adding three assists for five points in five games this season. Mason is committed to Ohio State University for next season.
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