Rutger McGroarty, reflecting on his gold medal experience at the 2024 World Junior Championship, recalled the significance of leading Team USA to victory over Sweden in Gothenburg. “C’mon, man, this is the best. This is unbelievable, I can’t even describe it,” McGroarty said after the win.
It was McGroarty’s second appearance at the tournament. The previous year, Team USA had only reached the bronze medal game. Making the team as an 18-year-old was a milestone for McGroarty, who grew up watching the championship with his father and always aimed to participate.
“When I found out, it was definitely a dream come true,” McGroarty said. “And then my second year, I had more of an idea that I was probably going to be on the team. I think it was more just motivation, because it was our last time being together as a group, like that ’04 (birth year) group. It was our last chance to get the gold medal.”
As captain, McGroarty contributed nine points in seven games and led his team to gold. He described his favorite moment: “My favorite part was just the final two minutes. We scored an empty netter to go up 6-2, I believe,” he said. “And everybody kind of blacked out on the bench, because you realize that, ‘Wow, we’re gonna win this.’ And everybody kind of started screaming on the bench, hooting and hollering. Then, actually going out and throwing your gloves off was one of the best feelings in the world.”
The United States won another gold at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and aims for a third title this year with Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Will Horcoff joining their roster.
McGroarty and Horcoff have known each other since their days playing youth hockey for Honeybaked Hockey Club in Detroit—a club that also counts Bryan Rust among its alumni. Though not teammates due to age difference, they became friends around the rink.
Horcoff followed a similar development path as McGroarty by playing for both the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) and later Michigan Wolverines before joining the Penguins organization as one of three first-round picks.
This season Horcoff leads NCAA scoring with 19 goals and is tied for second place in points with 28 over 20 games.
“I think going from NTDP to college is definitely a jump,” McGroarty commented about Horcoff’s transition. “But obviously not for him. I think that he’s kind of transitioned really well, and it’s super cool to see for the Pittsburgh organization, and just for him personally. I think he works really hard, he’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he’s a great kid, so I’m super happy for him.”
Horcoff recently spoke about his aspirations during an interview with Josh Getzoff and Dan Potash: “The tournament is something that I’ve watched for the past seven or eight years,” Horcoff said. “I remember watching (Connor) McDavid when he was there. It’s something I look forward to watching every year. If I get the chance to play in it, it would be a blessing, and I would be super thankful for it and try to make the most of it.”
McGroarty expressed pride in seeing Horcoff represent Team USA: “You can just see who the hard workers are, who competes, who has it, and who doesn’t,” he said. “I feel like I always kind of noticed that with [Horcoff]. And then him also going to NTDP, seeing him light up youth hockey, seeing his highlights, and then him going to Michigan—I feel like it just shows that it doesn’t really matter where you are. As long as you work hard you’ll be just fine.”
With preliminary games finished on December 31st , Team USA faces Finland next in quarterfinals scheduled January 2nd . For Horcoff , this marks another significant step early in his career .
“He’s getting opportunities for a reason ,and he’s earned that,” said McGroarty . “So ,just go do what he can do ,because he’s an incredible player . Go score a couple goals ,go have fun ,and try bring gold home country .”
The Pittsburgh Penguins are based in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , competing professionally in National Hockey League since their founding in 1967 official website . The franchise supports youth development through community initiatives while promoting fan involvement official website . The organization plays home games at PPG Paints Arena official website .
