Cole Hutson suffered a scary injury during Team USA\u2019s game against Switzerland on Saturday.<\/p>\n
While patrolling the defensive zone in front of Team USA\u2019s net, Hutson was struck in the back of the head by a point shot from Swiss defender Gian Meier. The injury occurred with 8:59 remaining in the second period.<\/p>\n
The Washington Capitals prospect blueliner immediately fell to the ice and was in apparent discomfort as the team\u2019s trainer rushed out from the bench.<\/p>\n
Warning:\u00a0This video may be disturbing to some.<\/p>\n
After the attending trainer\u2019s initial treatment, the call was made to have a stretcher brought out onto the ice. Medics then came and placed an immobilized Hutson on a backboard and stretcher before wheeling him out of the Zamboni entrance at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.<\/p>\n
According to FloHockey\u2019s Chris Peters<\/a>, Hutson was moving his arms and legs before being taken off the ice.<\/p>\n NHL Network\u2019s Jon Morosi reports<\/a> that Hutson was conscious and alert while on the stretcher and communicated with his teammates. The 19-year-old rearguard has been brought to an area hospital for further evaluation.<\/p>\n Hutson had been leading the Americans in ice time before being forced out of the game, playing 8:13 of the first period. He recorded one shot on goal in the first frame and left the game with Team USA up 1-0 in their second game of the 2026 World Junior Championship.<\/p>\n In the first game, a 6-3 win over Team Germany, Hutson recorded two assists and was a plus-5.<\/p>\n Update (9:04 pm): Hutson has been discharged from the hospital and is back with Team USA after their 2-1 win. Per Jon Morosi, his status for the rest of the tournament is unknown.<\/p>\n Great news from St. Paul:<\/p>\n Bob Motzko just told me that Cole Hutson has been discharged from the hospital and rejoined his teammates at Grand Casino Arena. <\/p>\n Hutson’s status for the rest of the tournament will be evaluated on Sunday.<\/p>\n \u2014 Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t