Cole Hutson suffered a scary injury during Team USA’s game against Switzerland on Saturday.
While patrolling the defensive zone in front of Team USA’s 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.
The Washington Capitals prospect blueliner immediately fell to the ice and was in apparent discomfort as the team’s trainer rushed out from the bench.
Warning: This video may be disturbing to some.
After the attending trainer’s 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.
According to FloHockey’s Chris Peters, Hutson was moving his arms and legs before being taken off the ice.
NHL Network’s Jon Morosi reports 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.
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.
In the first game, a 6-3 win over Team Germany, Hutson recorded two assists and was a plus-5.
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.
