Michigan State Hockey: Trey Augustine wins Big Ten Tournament MOP

Michigan State hockey goaltender Trey Augustine adds another award to his collection by winning Big Ten Tournament MOP.

Saturday night was a great night to be a fan of Michigan State hockey. A sold out Munn Ice Arena, an overtime winner against Michigan, and of course, winning the Big Ten Tournament. With all of those things going on, the tournament MOP (Most Outstanding Player) may have been a bit of an afterthought. One could also argue that it was an afterthought because there is nobody else who deserved it more than goaltender Trey Augustine.

Augustine has arguably been the MVP for the Spartans this entire season. After posting a (20-8-2) record and hovering above a .915 save percentage during the regular season, Augustine has continued his stellar performances.

In his two appearances during the Big Ten Tournament, Augustine let in only five goals on 70 combined shots. That was good enough to earn a save percentage of about .928. The stats show how much he means to this team but even a casual fan can tell that this kid is special. The second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings last year has been one of the biggest reason that Michigan State is playing in the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament for the first time since 2012.

Specifically in the championship game, it was a shaky start that Augustine came back from. It’s so refreshing to see such a young goaltender who is able to maintain his cool in the crease. Not just a young goaltender though, the youngest in the NCAA this year. He has done all of this at only 19 years old. Going up against some of the best shooters in college hockey, he stood his ground and kept the team in the game. This was evident in overtime when the Wolverines were peppering Augustine with shots, but none got through.

Based in that stellar performance, it’s no surprise that Augustine took home the MOP. This is the second year in a row that this award has gone to a freshman after Adam Fantilli of the Michigan won it last year. This is also not the first accolade that Augustine has earned this year. He also earned a spot on the All-Freshman team, All-Big Ten second team, and All-Big Ten Tournament team. He was also a semifinalist for the Mike Richter award which goes to the best goalie in college hockey.

NCAA Tournament information

The focus now shifts to the NCAA Tournament as Michigan State hockey takes on the Western Michigan Broncos this Friday in Maryland Heights, Mo. Puck drop will be at 5 p.m. ET and will be streaming on ESPN+ and airing on ESPNU.

If the Spartans win on Friday they will play the winner of Michigan vs. North Dakota on Sunday.