Mason Lohrei Gives Hilarious Reason For Joining Bruins’ Thanksgiving Tradition

A special Bruins tradition that dates back nearly two decades continued on Thursday morning.

Less than 24 hours after helping the Black and Gold earn a round win over the New York Islanders, Charlie McAvoy delivered 400 pies to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, St. Francis House, Pine Street Inn and The Home for Little Wanderers, per a Bruins press release. McAvoy, who has spearheaded the Thanksgiving donation drive for four straight years, was joined by Boston teammates Johnny Beecher and Mason Lohrei.

Lohrei shared a hilarious reason for joining McAvoy in this year’s festivities.

“There was a draft, and I did go first overall,” Lohrei joked, per team-provided video. “Pretty good here, slinging out pies, giving back to the community. It feels good.”

The Bruins’ tradition was started in 2008 by Aaron Ward, who donated turkeys to local organizations. The torch was then passed on to Dennis Wideman, Gregory Campbell, Matt Beleskey, Zdeno Chara and most recently, McAvoy.

“It’s always easy to have Thanksgiving come and definitely put things in perspective,” McAvoy said, per team-provided video. “Slow down, take a break from your job for a day. You’re thinking about family today. You’re thinking about those that are less fortunate and everybody gets a good meal today. … This tradition has become very special to me and my family. I have so much to be thankful for.”

Beecher didn’t have a fun reason as to why he joined the cause this year but was nonetheless thrilled to help McAvoy and Lohrei.

“It’s awesome,” Beecher said, per team-provided video. “Anytime you can come out here and give back to the community, it’s a great thing that the Bruins and CMac have been doing for the last couple of years … Me and Mason were just happy to come out and help.”