NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman discusses the competition for the top goaltending spot on the United States’ World Junior Championship team, which includes Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine, former Red Wings development camper Andrew Oke, Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler, Florida Panthers prospect Tyler Muszelik and Kings prospect Andrew Slukynsky:
United States coach David Carle has learned one thing about his team’s goaltending for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
“We feel like we have really good depth at the position and some really good competition,” Carle said during the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase. “I think you’re seeing guys elevate and play well certainly.”
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“You just kind of see a different perspective now,” said Augustine, who was 4-1 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in six games to help the U.S. finish third at the 2023 WJC. “You know what the process is like and what it takes to get there. And then obviously, it’s trying to be a leader in the room and kind of help the guys along.”
Oke, who played one period in relief of Augustine in an 11-1 win against Germany in the quarterfinals, sees another chance to play in the World Juniors as motivation to show what NHL teams missed when he went unselected at the 2023 NHL Draft.
“Obviously it didn’t go the way you wanted it to but that’s just how it goes sometimes,” he said. “I’ve been battling here, and especially with the Memorial Cup (played for host Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League) and trying to make this team, I think it would work out pretty good for me hopefully.”
Carle said it was too soon to say if any of the goalies has separated himself from the pack. Muszelik, who was the final goalie cut from the training camp for the 2023 WJC, said he feels like it’s been an even playing field between the two returnees and the three other goalies.
“We all have the same goal and that’s to be on the team and win a gold medal,” he said. “It’s nice to have competition. I think they’re all highly skilled, good goalies. So it’s fun to be a part of it.”
Continued; it won’t be easy for Augustine to rise above his competition, because they’re all good goaltenders, but he is the incumbent starter.
