If there was any doubt he'd be healthy enough to play before, it's gone now. Rutger McGroarty, the University of Michigan sophomore winger and Winnipeg Jets first-round draft pick, has been named captain for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

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McGroarty's status for the tournament had been in question as he's recovered from an upper-body injury sustained about five weeks ago while playing for Michigan. He had been in a non-contact jersey in practice since the start of training camp and, as of yesterday, was still wearing it. However, his being named captain is as sure a sign as any that not only will he play, but he'll be playing a big role.

USA also will have four alternate captains for the tournament. Returning players Gavin Brindley (CBJ), Cutter Gauthier (PHI), Lane Hutson (MTL) and Ryan Chesley (WSH) will each where an "A" for the Americans.

Step into the locker room with coach Carle to announce this year's #WorldJuniors captains! pic.twitter.com/886ek77NIY

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 20, 2023

McGroarty is the first forward to captain Team USA since Joey Anderson in 2018. Additionally, three of USA's last four captains came from the University of Michigan.

This will be the second time McGroarty has worn the "C" for Team USA at a major IIHF event. He was the captain of the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team at the 2022 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship where Team USA took silver.

McGroarty will be making his second trip to the World Junior Championship after being part of last year's bronze medal team. This will also be McGroarty's fifth IIHF event overall having played in two prior U18 Worlds and he was also part of USA's entry at the Youth Winter Olympic Games in 2020.

Drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, McGroarty has played a lot of high level hockey over the last few years. He was part of Michigan's Men's Frozen Four team last year and helped the Wolverines claim the Big Ten tournament title.

Born in Lincoln, Neb., McGroarty is the first and only Nebraska native to play for Team USA at the World Junior Championship.

Before his injury this year, McGroarty had 18 points in 13 games and was Michigan's leading scorer at the time. He is expected to be part of Team USA's top line alongside Gauthier and Jimmy Snuggerud (STL).

World Juniors Stream In 2023-2024

The World Juniors Championships are streaming on the IIHF YouTube Channel and the NHL Network. Some games will be available on ESPN+. Check local listings as blackouts may apply.

World Juniors Hockey On TSN In Canada

In Canada, the event will be televised on TSN. The tournament will also be streamed on TSN's digital platforms.

FloHockey Archived Footage

Video footage from all events streaming on FloHockey will be archived and stored in a video library for FloHockey subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

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