Team USA’s night took a frightening turn when rising star Cole Hutson was stretchered off the ice and rushed to the hospital after being struck in the back of the head by a puck during Saturday’s game against Switzerland.
The scary moment unfolded in the second period of the United States’ 2-1 win in preliminary-round play at the World Junior Championship in St. Paul, Minnesota. With the Americans up 1-0, a shot from Swiss defenseman Gian Meier appeared to catch Hutson’s helmet as he was facing the opposite direction.
The 19-year-old collapsed to the ice and was immediately surrounded by teammates while trainers rushed in. The arena went quiet as Hutson, who plays college hockey at Boston University, remained down before a stretcher was brought out. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and did not return to the game.
Late Saturday night, USA Hockey shared a reassuring update, confirming Hutson was released from the hospital and back with the team. He is listed as day to day. “We’re thankful for the concern of everyone and the care he has received,” the organization said.
USA head coach Bob Motzko didn’t downplay how unsettling the moment was. “It was a scary situation, no question,” he said after the game. “The building was silent. It knocks you back.”
Despite the emotional shock, Team USA regrouped and finished the job. Brodie Ziemer opened the scoring early in the second period, and after Switzerland briefly tied it, Will Zellers buried the eventual game-winner on a fast break. The third period was scoreless, even after Switzerland pulled its goalie in the final minutes.
With the win, the United States improved to 2-0 in preliminary play and will face Slovakia on Monday. Switzerland is set to take on Germany on Tuesday.
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