Mason Lohrei, born on January 17, 2001, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League (NHL). He made history as the first NHL player born in Louisiana.
Early Life and Education
Lohrei’s hockey journey began in Baton Rouge, where his father, David Lohrei, coached the Baton Rouge Kingfish. The family relocated to Pennsylvania and later Wisconsin during his childhood. He attended Middleton High School in Wisconsin before transferring to Culver Academies in Indiana. At Culver, he transitioned from forward to defense to gain more playing time.
He committed to Ohio State University, playing for the Buckeyes from 2021 to 2023. In his freshman year (2021-2022), Lohrei led the team with 25 assists and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. He continued his strong performance in the 2022-2023 season, ranking second on the team in assists (28) and third in total points (32).
Professional Career
After his collegiate career, Lohrei signed with the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, in March 2023. He made his NHL debut with Boston on November 2, 2023, against the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording an assist. He scored his first NHL goal on November 6, 2023, versus the Dallas Stars. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Lohrei split time between Boston and Providence, contributing significantly in both leagues.
In a game on March 11, 2025, Lohrei scored a crucial goal that helped the Bruins overcome a deficit against the Florida Panthers, contributing to a 3-2 victory.
Accolades
Lohrei’s accolades include:
- USHL Defenseman of the Year and First Team All-USHL in 2021.
- All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2022.
- All-Big Ten Second Team in 2023.
Personal Life
Beyond hockey, Lohrei maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into his personal and professional life with his followers. His Instagram account, @masonlohrei, has amassed over 33,000 followers.
Lohrei’s journey from Baton Rouge to the NHL exemplifies dedication and resilience, inspiring many with his story of overcoming challenges to achieve his professional dreams.