Mason Lohrei Makes NHL History Tonight

Mason Lohrei, the 22-year-old defenseman, etched his name in NHL history tonight by becoming the first player hailing from Louisiana to grace the league, expanding the list of states represented to 42.

Lohrei, a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, spent the previous season with Ohio State University, amassing an impressive 32 points in 40 games. His current season with the Providence Bruins in the AHL saw him contribute 4 assists in just 7 games.

Lohrei's call-up to the Boston Bruins was prompted by Charlie McAvoy's four-game suspension, which resulted from a check to the head; McAvoy is currently appealing the decision.

The young defenseman joins an already youthful defensive core and faces the Toronto Maple Leafs, led by superstar Auston Matthews, in his debut NHL game.