Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty was having a terrific sophomore season in the NCAA for the Michigan Wolverines putting up six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 13 games and was leading or tied for most points when he went down this past weekend with injury.
On Friday night McGroarty was hit into the boards and was taken to the hospital. From Ryan Zuke of Mlive.com this was what head coach Brad Naurato said after the game:
“McGroarty need help getting off the ice and was placed on a stretcher. Naurato said he was taken to the emergency room, although the extent of his injury is unknown.”
McGroarty sent a message via the team’s social media team the next day thanking fans for their concern.
Sam Stockton, who covers the Wings and Wolverines for The Hockey News reported this via the Michigan head coach:
“Per Brandon Naurato, Rutger McGroarty will be out for the remainder of the first half for Michigan, but beyond that, the timeline isn’t yet clear. Hopeful but uncertain about his chances of being back for Team USA at the WJC.”
Michigan is done on December 2nd which means McGroarty would miss their next four games and then they don’t play again until January 6th. But as indicated above this news could mean he might not get a chance to throw on the USA jersey at the World Junior tournament which starts December 26th in Sweden.
Tough news for one of Winnipeg’s top prospects.
