“Have fun out there.”
This simple, four-word phrase is a powerful directive, a call to action that resonates deeply. While some elite athletes might overlook such basic advice, prioritizing victory above all, for Michigan State sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine, it embodies something profound.
“Have fun out there” is more than just words; it’s the consistent message from his grandfather, Kenneth Augustine Sr., before every hockey game.
“It always brings me back to why I play,” Trey shared with ESPN. “I genuinely enjoy it. I love coming to the rink daily, seeing my friends, coaches, and staff. This rink community, where I can escape for hours, means the world. If I wasn`t having fun, I`d know something was wrong.”
Augustine, Michigan State`s exceptional goalie, and his team are aiming for the program`s fourth NCAA championship, the first since 2007. As the top seed in the Toledo Regional, the Spartans face Cornell on Thursday. Despite his grandfather`s passing two years ago, his influence profoundly impacts Augustine and the entire team.
Trey began playing goalie at eight, deeply rooted in Michigan. Kenneth Sr., known as `Senior` in hockey circles, moved to Detroit in the early 1980s for work. His son, Kenneth Jr., met Yvette in St. Louis – Yvette, a former Drake University basketball player, passed her athleticism to Trey. Born on February 23, 2005, Trey moved to Michigan at 18 months to be closer to family and grow up in a hockey-centric community near his grandfather.
Despite Trey`s hockey career taking him across states, ‘Gramps’ remained a constant presence. From New York to Toronto, he rarely missed a game, enduring the cold rinks typical of hockey events.
“Seeing him at almost every game, bundled up in blankets and hats in freezing rinks,” Trey recalls, “his presence meant everything, despite the discomfort.”
Trey’s mother, Yvette, emphasized their close bond. “He was always there, engaged, and influential. It meant so much to him that Trey was the third Kenneth, carrying on the name.”
Indeed, Trey is Kenneth Augustine III, named after his father and grandfather. He plays in honor of Kenneth James Augustine Sr.
Kenneth Sr. especially cherished watching 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 USA Hockey jersey.
“He knew how much Team USA meant to me, how high I aimed,” Trey said. “His pride was immense because he understood my aspirations.”
Kenneth Sr. passed away at 91 on January 27, 2023, as Trey prepared for the U18 Worlds. Devastated, Trey rejoined his team, later finding solace with family.
Trey’s parents ensured Senior was symbolically present at his national games.
“My dad always wore this USA hat. My sister took it to Switzerland,” Ken Jr. shared.
During the gold medal game against Sweden, with the U.S. down 2-0, Ken Jr. took the hat for the third period, hoping for a change in fortune.
The U.S. rallied, tying the game late. Despite a late Swedish power play in regulation and overtime, Augustine held strong, and Ryan Leonard secured the win shortly after the penalty kill.
“It felt like [Senior] was there, watching over us,” Ken Jr. reflected.
Trey felt his grandfather’s presence too. “I wanted him to see my first gold medal, and though he wasn`t physically there, in that moment with my dad, I felt his spirit.”
Since that first U18 gold in 2023, Trey has added two World Junior golds, becoming the winningest U.S. goalie at the Worlds in January 2025, leading the U.S. to victory against Finland.
In his second Michigan State season, Augustine was named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, leading in wins (18), save percentage (.927), and goals-against average (2.02), and is a Mike Richter Award finalist.
Trey`s jersey number 1 honors Kenneth Augustine Sr., and he wears a helmet decal with “Senior” and a heart.
“He’ll always carry him, always hear his voice,” Yvette said.
Drafted by his beloved Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL draft, Trey’s Michigan roots remain strong.
As Augustine prepares for his second NCAA tournament, his grandfather’s lessons inspire him. “He’d be proud, but for him, it’s bigger than hockey,” Trey says. “It’s about community and positively impacting others. That’s often lost in athletes, but being a good person is paramount. I always remember that.”
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley