Jets’ prospect McGroarty to captain U.S. at world junior tourney

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This article was published 20/12/2023 (658 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Just call him Captain America.

Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty is out of his hospital bed, back on his skates and, quite remarkably, set to lead the United States World Junior team into action starting next week. The 19-year-old, who suffered a frightening injury just last month, learned Wednesday he’d been chosen to wear the C on his sweater.

“Everything I’ve heard about the kid is great character. I think it’s wonderful for him, wonderful for the franchise, and I’m sure he’ll do very well,” said Jets coach Rick Bowness.

“I don’t know a lot about him, I haven’t seen him play, but I just know our scouts and everyone speaks very very highly of his character. So it’s really good news.”

McGroarty was selected 14th-overall in the 2022 draft and is in his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. The Lincoln, Neb., product was among the top collegiate scorers, with 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 13 games, before being stretchered off the ice during a Nov. 17 game against Penn State after taking a big hit into the corner boards.

The damage included a punctured lung and fractured rib and kept him in a medical facility for several days. He hasn’t played a game with the Wolverines since, and his status for the World Juniors was very much in question.

“Feeling really good right now. Obviously I took a pretty big hit. So mentally I’m feeling good. And everybody’s been there for me. I’m dealing with some very high-end doctors,” McGroarty said last week as the selection camp got underway and he waited for official clearance.

“At this point, it’s just not up to me. Obviously I can do all the things — take my vitamins, eat healthy, get good sleep, let my body recover. But I feel like whatever happens, happens, so I’m not really thinking about it too much.”

He began the event wearing a non-contact jersey but quickly shed that and impressed coaches to the point they not only included him on the roster, but selected him to lead the way.

McGroarty’s U of M teammate, Gavin Brindley, along with forward Cutter Gauthier (Boston College) and defencemen Ryan Chesley (University of Minnesota) and Lane Hutson (Boston University) were named alternate captains.

“I’m excited about our leadership group and they have the full support of our overall team, which is important,” head coach David Carle said Wednesday. “While our captains will play a significant role, for us to be successful, everyone will need to lead and contribute, and we have a group that is focused on just that.”

McGroarty was a big part of last year’s American squad that won the bronze medal game. He had seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games.

“It’s everything,” McGroarty said of wanting another chance at winning it all. “Especially this tournament. With the ’04’s, it’s our last chance to win that gold together.”

The tournament gets underway on Boxing Day in Sweden.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg