“Have fun out there.”
This simple phrase is a powerful reminder for Michigan State`s talented goalie, Trey Augustine. While some athletes focus solely on winning, for Trey, these four words from his grandfather, Kenneth Augustine Sr., carry a deeper meaning.
Trey explained to ESPN that his grandfather`s words help him remember why he plays hockey. He genuinely enjoys being at the rink with his teammates, coaches, and staff. This community provides him with an escape and brings him joy. He believes that if hockey ever stopped being fun, it would be a problem.
Augustine, a key player for Michigan State, is striving to help his team win their first national championship since 2007. As the top seed in their regional, the Spartans are facing Cornell in their opening game on Thursday. Even though his grandfather passed away two years ago, his influence remains a driving force for Trey and the team.
Trey`s journey in hockey started at age 8 in Michigan. His family`s deep roots in the state connect him to his grandfather. Kenneth Sr. moved to Detroit in the 1980s for work. Trey`s parents met in St. Louis, where his mother, Yvette, was a basketball player at Drake University. Trey was born in 2005, and the family relocated to Michigan to be closer to their families and raise Trey in a hockey environment near his grandfather.
As Trey`s hockey career progressed, he traveled to different cities, but his grandfather, affectionately known as “Gramps,” was always there to support him. Despite the cold arenas, he rarely missed a game, cheering Trey on from the stands.
Trey remembers his grandfather bundled up in blankets and hats at every game. He appreciated his presence, especially in the uncomfortable, freezing rinks.
Yvette, Trey`s mother, emphasized the close bond between Trey and his grandfather. She believes his grandfather`s presence and support significantly impacted Trey. She noted that Trey being the third Kenneth Augustine, carrying on the family name, was meaningful to his grandfather.
Trey is indeed the third Kenneth James Augustine, named after his father and grandfather. To distinguish himself, he goes by Trey, but feels he plays in honor of his grandfather.
Kenneth Sr. was especially proud to watch Trey represent Team USA in the under-17 tournament. When Trey made the team, they shared the news with Senior in person, presenting him with a Team USA shirt.
Trey felt his grandfather understood the importance of playing for Team USA and his high aspirations in hockey. He believes it meant the world to his grandfather to see him achieve that goal.
Kenneth Sr. passed away at 91 in January 2023, while Trey was preparing for the U18 World Championship. Though devastated, Trey rejoined his team to cope with the loss.
He returned home to be with his family that night.
Trey`s parents ensured his grandfather was represented at his national games throughout the tournament.
Ken Jr., Trey`s father, recalled that his father always wore a specific blue USA hat. Trey`s aunt brought this hat to Switzerland for the tournament.
During the gold medal game against Sweden, Trey`s aunt held the hat for the first two periods. However, as the game wasn`t going well, she passed the hat to Ken Jr. for the third period, hoping for a change in luck.
The U.S. team was losing 2-0 but rallied back, tying the game late in the third period. Despite a late penalty and intense pressure from Sweden in overtime, Trey held strong in goal. Ryan Leonard scored the winning goal shortly after the penalty kill, securing the gold medal for Team USA.
Ken Jr. felt his father`s presence during that special victory, believing he was watching over them.
Trey also felt his grandfather`s spirit with him after the game. He had wanted his grandfather to witness him win a gold medal and felt his presence in spirit, especially seeing his dad.
Since that first gold medal in 2023, Trey has won two more at the World Juniors, including the most recent in January 2025. He became the winningest U.S. goalie at the World Juniors, leading the team to victory against Finland in overtime.
In his second season with Michigan State, Augustine was recognized as the Big Ten`s best goalie. He led the league in wins, save percentage, and goals-against average. He is also a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, given to the nation`s top college goalie.
Trey`s jersey number, 1, is another tribute to his grandfather, Kenneth Augustine Sr. He also wears a decal with “Senior” and a heart on his helmet to honor him.
Yvette mentioned that Trey carries his grandfather`s memory with him, always hearing his voice in his head.
Adding to his Michigan connections, Trey was drafted by his favorite childhood team, the Detroit Red Wings, in the 2023 NHL draft.
As Trey prepares for another NCAA tournament with Michigan State, he continues to be inspired by his grandfather`s lessons, on and off the ice.
Trey believes his grandfather would be proud of his achievements, but more importantly, of him being a good person and community member. He feels that being a positive influence is sometimes overlooked in athletes but is ultimately the most important thing.
