Notable Matchup at the American Airlines Center
On January 20, 2026, a notable matchup unfolded at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, showcasing the talent of the Boston Bruins defender, Mason Lohrei. As the National Hockey League (NHL) gears up for its first Olympic hiatus since the 2014 Sochi Games, players not participating in the Olympics will be taking advantage of this break to regroup and prepare for the remainder of the NHL regular season, which concludes in late February.
Former Ohio State Stars Making Strides
Among those making significant strides in their professional careers are two former Ohio State University hockey stars: Jakub Dobeš of the Montreal Canadiens and Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins. Both players, who last suited up for the Buckeyes in the 2022-2023 season, are pivotal to their respective teams as they pursue playoff berths ahead of the postseason commencing in mid-April.
Jakub Dobeš: A Rising Star
Jakub Dobeš, born into a family of athletes with a hockey-playing father and a figure skating mother, has been on an impressive journey in professional hockey. During his freshman season at Ohio State (2021-2022), he earned accolades as the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and co-Freshman of the Year. His prowess on the ice led him to be a semifinalist for the prestigious Mike Richter Award in both 2022 and 2023. Dobeš was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft and signed an entry-level contract after his final season at Ohio State.
Following stints with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, Laval, Dobeš made a remarkable NHL debut in December 2024, becoming only the fourth goalie in Canadiens history to achieve a shutout in his inaugural game. He continued to set records, becoming the first goalie in team history to allow just one goal in his first two games and was one of only 13 goalies to win his first five NHL outings. Despite an injury to starter Sam Montembeault later, Dobeš’s performance remained solid, reflecting his potential for growth. This season, he has started 25 games, boasting an 18-5-3 record with an impressive 2.92 goals-against average. Dobeš was even named the NHL’s third star of the month for October after securing six wins without a loss. Notably, he replicated this success in January, once more going a perfect 6-0.
Mason Lohrei’s Journey
Mason Lohrei‘s path also reflects notable success since being selected by the Boston Bruins with the 58th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Choosing to spend a season at Ohio State, Lohrei made an immediate impact, earning Big Ten All-Freshman team honors and later contending for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. After his sophomore year, he inked an amateur tryout deal with the Providence Bruins.
Lohrei’s transition to the NHL began in November 2023, where he notched an assist in his debut. In the following seasons, he split time between Providence and Boston, appearing in 41 NHL games and scoring 13 points during the 2023-24 season. By the 2024-25 season, Lohrei secured a permanent position on the Bruins roster, posting five goals and 33 points across 77 games, despite finishing the season with a challenging -43 plus/minus rating. This current season, however, Lohrei has demonstrated marked improvement; through 51 games, he has already recorded six goals and 23 points, with a healthier +7 rating. January was particularly fruitful for Lohrei, as he scored four goals, including two in a win against Chicago.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
Most recently, Lohrei took the ice for the Bruins in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Initially holding a commanding 5-1 lead, Boston succumbed to a comeback by Tampa Bay, ultimately losing 6-5 in a shootout, with Lohrei logging over 16 minutes of ice time in the match. Despite past difficulties, the Bruins continue to back Lohrei’s development as they currently occupy the first Wild Card slot in the Eastern Conference standings with 68 points, seven points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
