“Have fun out there.”
This simple, four-word phrase is a powerful reminder for Michigan State`s talented sophomore goalie, Trey Augustine. While some athletes might prioritize winning above all, for Augustine, these words carry a deeper meaning. They are the cherished advice from his grandfather, Kenneth Augustine Sr., repeated before every hockey game.
“It always brings me back to why I love this,” Augustine shared with ESPN. “I genuinely have fun playing. Coming to the rink each day, seeing my friends, coaches, and staff, it`s like having a community where I can escape for a few hours. That`s invaluable to me. If I wasn`t enjoying it, I`d know something was wrong.”
Augustine, a standout player for Michigan State, is focused on helping his team secure their fourth NCAA championship, a title they haven`t held since 2007. As the top seed in the Toledo Regional, the Spartans are set to face Cornell on Thursday. Even though his grandfather passed away over two years ago, his influence remains a guiding force for Augustine and the entire team.
Trey`s journey in hockey began at age 8, embracing the goalie position. His roots in Michigan are strong, mirroring his grandfather`s.
Kenneth Sr., affectionately known as `Senior` in hockey circles, moved to the Detroit area in the early 1980s for work with Ford. His son, Kenneth Jr., met Trey`s mother, Yvette, in St. Louis. Yvette, a former basketball player at Drake University, passed down her athletic genes to Trey. Born on February 23, 2005, Trey moved to Michigan with his family at a young age to be closer to both sides of the family and grow up in a hockey-centric environment near his grandfather.
Despite his hockey pursuits taking him across different locations, his grandfather remained a constant supporter. From New York to Toronto to Chicago, `Gramps` was a regular presence at Trey`s games, braving the cold rinks.
“Seeing him at nearly every game, bundled up in blankets and hats because of the cold,” Trey recalls, “it`s one of my earliest memories of him at my games. His presence meant so much, especially considering he wasn`t always comfortable in those freezing arenas.”
Trey`s mother emphasizes the close bond between them. “He was always there, always involved, always talking with him. Trey carried his grandfather`s influence deeply,” Yvette said. “It meant a lot to him that Trey was the third Kenneth Augustine, continuing the family name.”
Indeed, Trey is the third Kenneth James Augustine in his family line, following his father and grandfather. To distinguish himself, he goes by Trey.
“My grandpa was the first Kenneth James Augustine, my dad the second, and I`m the third. I always feel like I`m playing for my grandpa,” Trey explains.
Kenneth James Augustine Sr. particularly cherished watching Trey represent Team USA in the under-17 tournament. When Trey made the team, presenting Senior with a USA Hockey National Team Development Program shirt was a special moment for the family.
“He understood the significance of that, knowing it was my goal and how high I was aiming,” Trey said. “It meant the world to him because he knew how much it meant to me.”
Kenneth Sr.`s passing on January 27, 2023, at 91, occurred while Trey was preparing for the U18 World Championship. The news was devastating, but Trey chose to stay with his team for support.
“I went home that night to be with my family,” Trey remembers.
Throughout the tournament, Trey`s parents ensured his grandfather was there in spirit.
“My dad always wore this special blue USA hat. My sister brought it to Switzerland with us,” Ken Jr. recounted.
During the gold medal game against Sweden, as the game wasn`t going well, Trey`s aunt passed the hat to Ken Jr. for the third period.
“We were down 2-0 in the gold medal game,” Ken Jr. said. “[Ken`s sister] handed me the hat for the third period.”
The U.S. rallied, tying the game late in the third. Despite a late penalty and intense pressure in overtime, Augustine stood strong. Ryan Leonard scored the winning goal shortly after the penalty kill, securing the victory.
“It was incredibly special,” Ken Jr. reflected. “We like to think [Senior] was there with us, watching over us.”
Trey felt his grandfather`s presence too. “I really wanted him to see me win my first gold medal. He wasn`t physically there, but I felt his spirit,” he said. “Seeing my dad after the win, it was like seeing my grandpa. I know he was there with me in spirit.”
Since that first gold medal with the U18 team in 2023, Trey has added two more World Junior Championship golds in 2024 and 2025. In the latest tournament, he became the winningest U.S. goalie in World Juniors history, leading the team to victory against Finland in overtime.
In his second season at Michigan State, Augustine was named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, leading the league in wins (18), save percentage (.927), and goals-against average (2.02). He`s also a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, recognizing the nation`s top college goalie.
Trey`s respect for his grandfather is evident in his jersey number, 1, honoring Kenneth Augustine Sr. He also has a decal with “Senior” and a heart on his helmet.
“He had `Senior` with a heart on his helmet,” Yvette said. “He`ll always carry his grandfather with him, hearing his voice in his head.”
Realizing a childhood dream, Trey was drafted by his favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings, in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, staying true to his Michigan connections.
As Augustine prepares for another NCAA tournament with Michigan State, he continues to be inspired by his grandfather`s lessons.
“I think he`d be incredibly proud, but for him, it was always bigger than hockey,” Trey concludes. “It was about being a good person, contributing to the community, and positively impacting those around you. That`s something that can be overlooked in athletes, the importance of being a good person first and foremost. It`s something I always keep in mind.”
