The left-shot defenseman, arguably the Boston Bruins' best prospect at the position, decided in the spring that he would return to Ohio State University for his sophomore season.
Believing it was the right place for his development, months later, he has not wavered on his decision.
"Going back and just continuing to work on my game and get stronger, quicker, work on my defending," Lohrei said of his plan. "Just little details, stuff like that, is pretty intriguing to me. And then, obviously, I grew up dreaming of winning a national championship and that's the main goal.
"So, go back and try to accomplish that this year."
Lohrei was selected by the Bruins in the second round (No. 58) of the 2020 NHL Draft out of Green Bay in the United States Hockey League. He was named USHL Defenseman of the Year in 2021.
Last season at Ohio State, Lohrei had 29 points (four goals, 25 assists) in 31 games and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. He also was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and was a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year finalist.
"We saw progression this year, we're happy with how he progressed there," Bruins player development coordinator Adam McQuaid said. "So there were no real concerns that he can't continue to take steps, to move forward while going back to school."
But even with his decision to return to Columbus, the 21-year-old said he knows that joining the Bruins might not be that far away.
"I try not to focus on that stuff too much, but it's exciting," Lohrei said. "You kind of feel yourself getting closer. It's every kid's dream to play in the NHL. Hopefully, (I) make that jump sooner rather than later."
Lohrei attended Bruins development camp in July but did not participate in on-ice sessions after undergoing knee surgery. At the time, he said he was in the "later phase" of his recovery, and he returned to the ice in early August.
But even though they didn't get to see him on the ice this summer, the Bruins are pleased with the 6-foot-4, 195-pound defenseman's game. And they're even more pleased with how he has been developing physically, the gains he's making in the weight room and how he's been getting himself ready for the rigors of pro hockey.
"His frame, he's filling out," Bruins assistant general manager, player personnel Jamie Langenbrunner said. "He's going from a boy to a man. He carries himself just a little bit differently now. I think watching him during the season, it's just his poise with the puck, his ability to create and make plays. At 6-5 or whatever he is, to move like he does is pretty impressive."
Lohrei still is looking for more, though, out of himself. He wants to get stronger defensively, be harder to play against and even more physical. He believes he can do all that at Ohio State, and the Bruins agree.
"You notice him right away with his size. His size and his length," McQuaid said. "He has so much poise with the puck, can create things offensively. Everyone knew that about him. His pedigree was producing offensively.
"I think he took a big step this year on the defensive side of his game. He wants to work at that. He knows he has to work at that. Stick details have really improved. A really interesting combination to have that size with that offensive ability and the commitment to want to continue to get better defensively. There's a lot of hope for him. An exciting prospect for us."
