Earlier on Friday, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff posted an article about Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine’s decision to remain at Michigan State University for at least one more season, and this evening, the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan continues the narrative:
Statistics aside, Augustine felt he had a productive season in that he learned to be more under control in net. This coming season, Augustine wants to work on his body.
“That’s huge for career longevity,” said Augustine, who adds developing a consistent approach mentally is also important. “After a negative, how do you respond? Or if you make a big save, and if they have another good chance, you have to be focused again. Whether it goes right for me, it doesn’t matter. It’s the same approach and you have to be ready for the next shot.”
Augustine is also excited about playing another season for [Spartans coach Adam] Nightingale, who Augustine credits with the MSU turnaround. Nightingale has won Big Ten and national coach of the year awards for his work at MSU.
“It’s the culture coach Nightingale has brought in since he got there (in 2022),” Augustine said. “Really, he’s done a phenomenal job of getting good people first and into the building, and that makes it easy to work as a team and go from there.”
Augustine didn’t want to speculate too much about what he’ll do next spring when he’ll be confronted with the same decision about turning pro or returning to MSU. There’s the coming season to prepare for, with the stated goal of winning a national championship. But if everything goes right, next year Augustine will be starting his pro career.
“Ideally,” Augustine said. “(But) I still have to go out there and prove it and make a decision at the end of next season.”
Continued; Augustine’s pretty dang mature for a 20-year-old young man.
