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Team USA defender Cole Hutson suffered a major injury scare during the Junior World Cup against Switzerland on Saturday evening.
Hutson took a puck to the back of the head in the second period. He was carried off the ice and did not return to the game. Team USA later said Hutson was out of the hospital and considered day-to-day.
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U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson (44) is taken off the ice after suffering an injury during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game against Switzerland, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
“Hutson is out of the hospital, back with the team and is ‘day-to-day,'” Team USA said.
“We are grateful for everyone’s concern and the care he received.”
Team USA head coach Bob Motzko opened up about the situation after the game.
“It was a scary situation, no doubt,” he said, via ESPN. “It’s a very tight group of guys and they responded. It knocks you back. The building was quiet. But the good news is he was released and is back with us.”
U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson, bottom, is looked at by medical staff after suffering an injury as members of the U.S. team look on during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game against Switzerland, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
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Hutson is a defender for Boston University. He was selected in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals. He is one of four terriers to represent the red, white and blue on the ice at the World Junior Championships.
Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals for the Americans in a 2-1 victory in their opener against the Swiss.
Basile Sansonnens scored Switzerland’s lone goal.
Swiss forward Robin Antenen, left, skates with the puck as United States defenseman Cole Hutson (44) defends during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
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The U.S. faces Slovakia on Monday, while Switzerland faces Germany on Tuesday.
