Credit Sandro Halank
Team USA edged Switzerland, 2-1, on day two of the 2026 World Junior Championships in St. Paul, but the big story was a scary injury to Cole Hutson that resulted in his being taken off the ice on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
Later, U.S. Coach Bob Motzko told the media that Hutson had been discharged from the hospital and rejoined his teammates at Grand Casino Arena for their post-game meal.
During the second period, Hutson was struck in the back of the helmet by a wrist shot from a Swiss skater. He immediately fell to the ice and lay prone while trainers and the team physician attended to him. Video from the game broadcast showed that Hutson was moving his legs while on the ice.
tw-align-centerCole Hutson had to be stretchered off the ice after taking a puck to the head vs. Switzerland. 🙏 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JDEx3oECTB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2025
Following the game, Team USA players spoke about losing Hutson. Cole Eiserman, who is one of Hutson's close friends and BU teammates, said that Hutson initially said he could not move when on the ice.
Eiserman had Hutson squeeze his hand, which he was able to do. After he was removed from the ice, the team had to re-set and try to finish the game. Eiserman said it was important for them to get refocused and "win it for Hutty."
tw-align-centerCole Eiserman talks about how he reacted to best friend Cole Hutson's scary injury@usahockey | @NCAAIceHockey | @TerrierHockey #WorldJuniors #WJC #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/L117jD04U8
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 28, 2025
"Hutson is back with his teammates and in good spirits," J.P. Morosi of NHL Network reported after the game.
The Athletic's Cory Pronman posted:
Hutson’s absence would be devastating for Team USA. He is the key to their defense, an elite offensive player and despite his size, he has been a key penalty-killing guy for them too. It’s hard to see the United States winning a gold medal at the tournament without him.
Team USA returns to action Monday against Slovakia.
● ESPN Team USA's Cole Hutson struck by puck in World Juniors game
● USA Hockey U.S. Downs Switzerland, 2-1, In World Juniors Prelims
Spengler Cup
The U.S. Collegiate Selects defeated host team HC Davos, 5-3, on day two of the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. Gavin McCarthy, who had a goal in the Collegiate Selects' opening loss, skated on the team's top defense pairing.
Looking ahead
2027 recruit Carter Meyer scored his 12th goal in the NTDP U17s' 4-2 win over Muskegon. Meyer, who has 31 points in 30 games, is tied for the team scoring lead. Fellow recruit Sam Pandolfo had the primary assist on the play.
tw-align-centerMEYER TIES IT UP! 🚨#USAvsMUS pic.twitter.com/xZbB7ho29c
— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) December 28, 2025
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