Bruins Prospects: Who’s playing college hockey this season?
By Bryan Murphy
Arguably the best conference this season, the Big 10 features two top prospects out of the Boston Bruins organization.
Mason Lohrei and John Beecher will both participate with Big 10 teams this season. Lohrei enters his first year at Ohio State and John Beecher returns to Michigan.
Mason Lohrei – Ohio State University
The Ohio State Buckeyes may have the Bruins’ best prospect. No, it’s not Fabian Lysell, it’s Mason Lohrei. The 2020 second-round pick from Boston is set to partake in his freshman season with Ohio State.
Lohrei was tabbed the USHL’s Defenseman of the Year last season, with 19 goals and 40 assists in 48 games playing for the Green Bay Gamblers. The 6-foot-4 defender is exactly what the Bruins need — a big, elusive left-handed defender who can excel in all three zones — and it was on display at development camp
Here’s yet another example of Mason Lohrei showcasing his two-way skills during scrimmages on the final day of Development Camp. This puck leaked through the goaltender and got cleared from the crease before crossing the line. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/ew3D08rAI3
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) August 9, 2021
Playing in the Big 10, Lohrei will certainly have his work cut out for him, which is good for his development. In the conference is the powerhouse Michigan team, with Owen Power, Matty Beniers, Kent Johnson, Luke Hughes, Thomas Bordeleau … you get it. There’s a ton of talent. Also there will be Minnesota, who is arguably better than the young Michigan squad. Can’t forget Wisconsin and Notre Dame as well.
Bottom line — Lohrei not only is going to be making the transition to the college level, but he’ll be facing some of the toughest competition DI has to offer. If he can hold his own in his freshman year, it’s a good sign for things to come for the 20-year-old.
John Beecher – University of Michigan
Speaking of that stacked Michigan squad, John Beecher is entering his junior season with the Wolverines. He’s coming off a sophomore season that was cut short with a shoulder injury. He took some time this summer to decide his plans for the fall, but decided on going back to Ann Arbor for another season.
The 30th overall selection in the 2019 draft doesn’t wow on the scoresheet. Through two seasons at Michigan, Beecher has13 goals and 24 points in 47 games. With all the offensive talent Mel Pearson’s squad already has, Beecher won’t be relied on heavily to put up numbers, but rather used in a shutdown role.
John Beecher, No. 17 in yellow, had an up-and-down freshman year, but still has plenty to offer. As you’ll see here, Beecher is already a three-zone player with great acceleration & natural tools. His speed and mobility allows him to catch up & push for odd-man rushes. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/mSdyA9i3PZ
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) June 24, 2020
Beecher sported a non-contact jersey through development camp, still recovering from the torn labrum, so we couldn’t get a fair assessment of the 20-year-old’s performance. And it’ll be another month or so before we see Beecher on the ice again. Pearson confirmed Beecher would be out at least four weeks with an upper body injury, different than the shoulder injury suffered last season. Hopefully Beecher can get healthy and back skating soon.