The Team USA goaltender is battling for world under-18 gold in Switzerland after a massive season with the NTDP.
When a 17-year-old Trey Augustine was named to Team USA's world junior team in December, it wasn't too shocking given his pedigree and the competition. But when Augustine took over the crease, ultimately making six appearances and helping the Americans earn a bronze medal with a 4-1 record, it was impressive. So what were his expectations heading into the holiday classic?
"I really didn't have any," Augustine told me during the medal round. "I just kinda came in, kept my head down, worked every day and it led to where I am now."
Fast-forward and now, specifically, Augustine is in Switzerland at the world under-18s. Team USA hasn't won the tournament since 2017, which is rather wild to think about since they usually have one of the best rosters available (Canada's entry is always hampered by the ongoing CHL playoffs).
The Americans still rule the roost historically with 10 titles, and the under-18s are a big deal: The USA Hockey National Team Development Program's under-18 squad puts a big focus on winning the tournament, which serves as the end of the season for them. This year's team is all NTDP, with the exception of goalie Hampton Slukynsky of Warroad high school in Minnesota and center Casey Terrance, a center from OHL Erie.
Augustine has been the NTDP's No. 1 goalie all season long, boasting an incredible record of 24-1-2 with a .925 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average. Eight of his wins came against older, stronger NCAA teams, including Boston University - which went to the Frozen Four semifinal this year.
"I'm a former goalie, and you just feel it in your gut that when he's in net, if one goes in, he's got the next one," said NTDP director of player personnel Kevin Reiter. "He's consistent, and that's what everyone wants. He's always there, he's in the right spot, he's not overly active and doesn't put himself in bad situations. He controls the puck, which at this level is really important. He's a quiet warrior, quiet worker. Every day he shows up and gets after it."
Like many NTDP players, the young netminder has found the benefits of playing for 'The Program,' especially when it comes to training.
"The NTDP sets you up really well with training and the gym," Augustine said. "It's been super helpful and benefits your game on and off the ice. Our gym guy Joe Meloni does a great job customizing plans for each individual and gets you what you need to be successful."
Two other attributes Reiter sees in Augustine are athleticism and skating, so the kid has been in a good place to hone his strengths. The Michigan native also played basketball and soccer when he was growing up, so he's pretty well-rounded overall.
Next year, Augustine will head to Michigan State, giving the Spartans a blue-chip NHL prospect between the pipes. He had originally been on track to join the arch-rival Michigan Wolverines, but the chance to play again for former NTDP coach Adam Nightingale was too good to pass up.
"When he transferred over there, I realized it might be a possibility and then I went to see the facilities and the school and really loved it," Augustine said. "I'm happy to be going there next year."
And yes, the young netminder realizes that the full-throated fans at Yost Arena will not let him forget his switch to the other side of the passionate in-state rivalry.
"It'll be good," he said. "The state of Michigan is at its best when those two teams are good."
Before he gets to East Lansing, Augustine will be taken somewhere in the top 100 when the 2023 NHL draft hits Nashville this summer. But before that, of course, Team USA has that world under-18s gold in its gun sights. If they do clinch that title, chances are Augustine is going to play a big role - just as he has all season long.