DETROIT – From winning gold at the World Junior Championship to an outstanding freshman season at Michigan State to acquitting himself well against men on the world stage, it’s been a special year for Trey Augustine.

The Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect has shown to be mature beyond his years.

“I always forget that he’s just a little 19-year-old,” Red Savage, his fellow Red Wings prospect and MSU teammate, said. “We call him ‘Gramps’ sometimes because he’s always waddling around the rink.

“His maturity is something that really stands out. He really understands the game from that point. He takes everything and tries to learn as much as he can every day at the rink. He goes into every practice with the same mentality, to not only make himself better, but to make the people around him better.”

After taking part in his second Red Wings development camp earlier this month, Augustine will represent the U.S. at the World Junior Showcase in Plymouth (July 26-Aug. 3) before his sophomore season with the Spartans.

“I’ve had some unbelievable opportunities and super thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this position I am today,” Augustine said. “It’s super-cool and I’m looking to have some more cool ones in the future.”

Augustine, selected 41st overall in 2023, was named second-team All-Big Ten after going 23-9-2 with a 2.96 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He was the Big Ten Tournament MVP, leading the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament before they lost to Michigan in the quarterfinals.

“I think we’re going to be gunned for this upcoming year and it’ll be fun,” Augustine said. “We got a lot of returners, we’re going to have a really good team, so I’m just super-excited to get playing again.”

His season earned him a spot on the U.S. World Championship team, where he was pressed into service after Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon suffered a hand injury. Augustine played in three games, going 1-1 with a 1.37 GAA and .929 save percentage.

“It was an unreal opportunity to go there and be with a lot of professional players,” Augustine said. “Just taking a lot of advice from them and enjoy the moment as well. Just being around a team like that and seeing how those individuals prepare on a daily basis is really cool and special.”

Even Lyon commented at the event on Augustine’s advanced mental and physical maturity.

“It means a ton,” Augustine said.

“Alex is a great guy. He kind of taught me a lot in the time he was there. Just seeing him prepare and seeing how serious he takes it on game days, it’s super-different than what I’ve seen from my past teammates. Very grateful he was around.”

The Red Wings picture in a few years having a goaltending tandem of Sebastian Cossa, drafted 15th overall in 2021, and Augustine.

“When I watch Trey, he gives me a lot of confidence,” Danny Cleary, Detroit’s assistant director of player development, said. “He’s got a calm, cool demeanor, but competitive. That fire burns inside him. I speak with (Spartans coach Adam Nightingale). Who doesn’t love having Trey behind you? Tremendous season for him. I think he’s just going to grow. Going to World Championships was a cool experience for him, getting to play against NHL-caliber players. It’s been a lot for him this year.”