Cracking the Pittsburgh Penguins’ opening night roster represents a massive accomplishment for Rutger McGroarty.

McGroarty felt as if he got that excited energy out of his system by the third or fourth shift, then he was able to settle in and feel more comfortable. It helped having a center like Eller, a veteran who is exceptionally smart and good at explaining the game.

McGroarty is believed to be the first Lincoln-born hockey player to reach the NHL. The talented youngster is the son of former Lincoln Stars coach Jimmy McGroarty. The rookie right winger was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.