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BREAKING NEWS: Team USA Star Left Motionless After Taking Puck to the Head in Terrifying Scene, Stretchered Off in World Juniors Round Robin Game vs. Switzerland [VIDEO] Full story via 🔗 below👇👇
BREAKING NEWS: Team USA Star Left Motionless After Taking Puck to the Head in Terrifying Scene, Stretchered Off in World Juniors Round Robin Game vs. Switzerland [VIDEO]
Full story via 🔗 below👇👇
Motionless After Taking Puck to the Head — Stretchered Off in Scary World Juniors Scene vs. Switzerland
In a frightening moment during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, Team USA defenseman Cole Hutson was left motionless on the ice and stretchered off after being struck by a puck in a preliminary-round game against Switzerland at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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The incident occurred early in the second period when a shot from Swiss defenseman Gian Meier appeared to hit Hutson in the back of the head/neck area, causing the 19-year-old Washington Capitals prospect to immediately drop to the ice.
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Medical staff rushed to his side, immobilized him with a backboard and stretcher, and then slowly wheeled him off the ice in a scene that left the building stunned and silent. Teammates, including close friend and Boston University teammate Cole Eiserman, remained at Hutson’s side as he was tended to by medical personnel.
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Immediate Aftermath & Team Response
Hutson was taken to a local hospital for evaluation after the frightening stoppage.
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USA Hockey later confirmed he was released and rejoined his teammates at the arena.
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Team officials have listed Hutson as “day-to-day”, with further evaluation pending.
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USA head coach Bob Motzko described the incident as “a scary situation,” noting the emotional shakeup it caused in a game the U.S. ultimately won 2–1.
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Game Recap
Despite the alarming injury scare, Team USA kept its focus on the ice:
Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals that powered the Americans to victory.
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The win improves the United States’ standing in the preliminary round as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
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Who Is Cole Hutson?
Hutson is one of the tournament’s most closely watched defensemen — a Boston University standout and a second-round pick (2024) of the Washington Capitals — known for his combination of poise, hockey IQ, and offensive instincts from the back end.
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As details continue to emerge, the hockey world is breathing a collective sigh of relief that Hutson was conscious, alert, and back with the team shortly after the incident, but fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and tournament availability.
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