Detroit Hockey Now’s Tim Robinson spoke with Michigan State University coach Adam Nightingale regarding the competitive situations which freshman goaltender Trey Augustine and junior forward Red Savage find themselves in on MSU’s team:
“I think competition is the greatest driver in development,” Nightingale says. “I told Trey, if you’re looking for a place that’s going to tell you you’re the starter, this isn’t the place. You’ve got to earn it.”
Augustine, a South Lyon native, will compete with another freshman, Livonia native Luca DiPasquo, and senior Jon Mor for the starting goalie job this fall.
“I think between the three of them, we’ll have really good goalies,” Nightingale said.
Savage, a junior transfer from Miami (Ohio) who has two years of eligibility, is one of 15 newcomers to East Lansing this fall. He will play forward and is expected to provide a veteran’s savvy as well.
“We’re excited about the group we have coming in,” Nightingale said.
The Spartans won 18 games last year, their most since 2011-12, and just missed qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.
“We took a good step last year,” Nightingale said. “But we want to be in that tournament every year. When you talk about the foundation we’re trying to lay for a program, we want it to be a sustaining one, not a fleeting one. We’re taking it one day at a time. It’s as simple as it sounds. Just focus on today, and tomorrow will take care of itself.”
