Pittsburgh Review

As the deadline for submitting opening-night rosters approached, Rutger McGroarty's family eagerly awaited news about his future. His mother, Cindy, described the anticipation: “We were just on pins and needles all day on Monday,” she said. The family gathered in their living room, filled with nervous energy.

Rutger's father, Jimmy, shared the excitement when they finally received the call from their son. “You could tell in his energy because, you know, we recognize how he is," he said. "When he called, it was just so exciting and overwhelming, and honestly, surreal for us.”

Rutger informed his parents and girlfriend Kayleigh first before calling his sister Molly, who was busy with clinicals in nursing school. Molly had prepared her colleagues for an important call. “I could tell by his voice what he was about to say,” she recounted.

Cindy also reached out to her father Roger to share the news of Rutger’s achievement. She laughed as she recalled him trying to find out via social media before they could inform him directly.

The McGroarty family traveled from Michigan to Pittsburgh for Rutger's debut game. Jimmy works as GM of the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks in Michigan while other relatives flew in from Nebraska where Rutger spent part of his childhood.

Reflecting on the journey that led them here, Cindy expressed gratitude: “On Monday with that nervous energy, we were going through the list of people that have been a part of this journey."

Jimmy spoke about witnessing Rutger's rookie lap during warmups and feeling a profound sense of pride: “It takes a village to make this thing happen,” he said. He noted seeing renowned players like Sidney Crosby on the ice made it all feel real.

Rutger’s path wasn't without sacrifices; Jimmy moved with him from Nebraska to Michigan at age 10 to support his hockey career while Cindy stayed behind due to family commitments.

Despite these challenges, Rutger remains close with his family. He appreciated their presence at this milestone event: “They travel all the time...I'm really grateful for them."

The McGroartys wouldn’t have missed witnessing this significant moment in Rutger's career trajectory as he embarks on life as a full-time professional hockey player.