McGroarty spent two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP). He was the first player from the state of Nebraska to play for the USNTDP.[2] During the 2020–21 season, he recorded 20 goals and 21 assists in 53 games. The following season, McGroarty recorded 35 goals and 34 assists in 54 games, leading the team in goals, and fourth in points with 69.[3] He competed at the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game where he recorded an assist and a goal with 2:37 left in regulation to force overtime. He was subsequently named the game's MVP.[4]
In July 2022, McGroarty was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL entry draft, surpassing Jake Guentzel (77th overall, 2013) to become the highest drafted player from the state of Nebraska.[5][2]
McGroarty was named the Hockey Commissioners Association co-Player of the Month for the opening month of the 2023–24 season. He led the nation in scoring during October, finishing with 15 points in eight games (five goals and 10 assists). He had at least one point in seven games, including the first five of the season, to extend his point-scoring streak to a career-high 13 games. In the eight games he played, he had multiple points in five. He also scored two game-winning goals and two power-play goals and led the team in shots with 33.[7] McGroarty was named the Hockey Commissioners Association Player of the Month for the month of January 2024, averaging 2.67 points per game. He recorded three goals and 13 assists, scoring in all six games, and had multiple points in five of the games.[8][9] He would finish his sophomore season with 16 goals and 36 assists in 36 games played. His 52 points ranked second on the team in scoring, whereas his 1.59 points per game ranked fourth in the nation. Following the season, McGroarty was named to the All-Big Ten First team, and named an AHCA West Second Team All-American.[10][11]
Collectively, he finished his collegiate career with 34 goals, 57 assists and 91 points in 75 games for the Wolverines.[12]
Professional
Prior to the 2024–25 season, reports emerged that McGroarty refused to sign with Winnipeg, with the team beginning to explore trade options.[13] On August 22, 2024, McGroarty was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brayden Yager.[14][15] Following the trade, he immediately signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins.[16][17] He made the Penguins' opening night roster, and made his NHL debut on October 9, 2024, where he had one shot on goal in 12:20 time on ice.[18][19][20] On October 16, 2024, he was assigned to the Penguins' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Prior to being reassigned, he was scoreless in three games for the Penguins.[21]
On December 16, 2023, McGroarty was again named to Team USA's roster to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he served as team captain. During the tournament he recorded five goals and four assists in seven games and won a gold medal.[27] He was the first forward to captain a U.S. National Junior Team since Joey Anderson in 2018.[28]
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