The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan spoke with Red Wings prospect goaltender Trey Augustine about adjusting to the professional game after Augustine, 21, spent 3 seasons with the Michigan State University Spartans. Augustine spent some time with the Grand Rapids Griffins next spring, but he understands that hockey becoming his full-time job is a whole new ball of yarn:
[G]etting back into the net during a 4-3 shootout victory over Dallas on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the prospects tournament at BELFOR Training Center was a situation of getting re-acclimated — and not surprisingly — Augustine finding his comfort level as the evening progressed.
“I felt a lot better throughout the game, but that’s just because you’re playing hockey again,” the former Michigan State standout said after the Wings’ victory.
Augustine, a South Lyon native and a Wings 2023 second-round draft pick, was credited with 26 saves in the victory, He then stopped all eight Stars shooters in the shootout to secure the win for a team of Wings prospects.
“There’s nothing like playing games, definitely for younger guys including myself coming in here,” Augustine said. “It’s really exciting, a new chapter of my life now, and I’m just really excited to be a professional hockey player. I’m really excited to be part of this organization.”
Augustine, 21, will begin the season in Grand Rapids, splitting game action with Michal Postava. Having an opportunity to briefly get American League action with the Griffins was valuable and gives Augustine an idea of what to expect this week, when Augustine goes through his first pro training camp. Even in Saturday’s prospects game, Augustine noted a difference and understands the training camp will rachet that up. Then when the AHL season begins,
“Everything is happening so much faster, everyone is a little better,” Augustine said. “Passes are a little cleaner, shots are a little harder, more precise, so you really have to just be on top of your game all the time. It’s just my first time playing where there are a lot more games and practices, just seeing how I can manage that and keeping improving every day.”
Continued; Augustine certainly has the right outlook regarding playing a 74-game season in the AHL:
“It has been my job for a while, but even more so now, it’s definitely a job,” Augustine said. “But I’m looking forward to the ups and downs that come with that.”
