McGroarty Hopeful For World Junior Championship

Positive news from the World Junior Championship selection camp for team USA for Rutger McGroarty. McGroarty was the NCAA league leading points per game stat line player before his injury. I hope he gets to plan at the WJC with Nazar, Brindley, and Casey, and this is a great sign for Michigan that he should be back in the lineup in January. Deets here: https://www.nhl.com/news/2024-wjc-team-usa-selection-camp-day-one

Rutger McGroarty (Winnipeg Jets) was in a red no-contact jersey, but that didn't keep him from conducting line rushes and leading by example.

McGroarty, a sophomore forward at the University of Michigan, sustained an upper-body injury after landing awkwardly against the boards following a hit in a 6-4 win against Penn State on Nov. 17. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher and has since been working his way back into form.

"Obviously, I took a pretty big hit, so mentally, I'm feeling good and everybody's been there for me," McGroarty said. "I mean, the USA Hockey staff, the Michigan staff, I've worked with some very high-end doctors, and they've been great in helping me. So I feel like it's just how I feel mentally and obviously the doctors have to clear me."

Carle is optimistic that McGroarty will be ready when the U.S. plays its tournament opener against Norway on Dec. 26. McGroarty had seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games at the 2023 WJC.

"Nothing's determined at this point, but it was obviously great to see him out there," Carle said. "I think the fact he's even here, at this stage, we're optimistic because it was a tough hit. I think it's impressive and credit to him, the medical team at Michigan and the people surrounding him."