The Red Wings have three participants in this week’s World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, MI in Axel Sandin Pellikka and Anton Johansson of Sweden, as well as Trey Augustine of the United States.
As such, Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen spoke with USA Director of Hockey Operations John Vanbiesbrouck regarding the summertime tournament:
“I’m a little biased but I think (Augustine) was the best goalie in the (2023) draft,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, USA Hockey’s director of hockey operations.
As one of the top American-born goalies in U.S. Hockey history, Vanbiesbrouck owns the credentials to evaluate Augustine’s potential. He also oversees the U.S. national team program.
“The No. 1 thing that is universal in the position is your compete,” Vanbiesbrouck said. “Trey has trained himself well to compete. He stays in the game. Very few mental lapses in his style of play. The part that I like the most…He makes it look easy.”
Tickets are available for the games that begin Saturday at 1 p.m. with Sandin Pellikka’s and Johansson’s Sweden team facing off against the USA (Blue) squad. Augustine’s USA (White) Team plays at 4 p.m. against Finland.
