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Team USA defender Cole Hutson suffered a serious injury Saturday night during the World Junior Championships against Switzerland.
Hutson received a puck behind the head in the second period. He was taken off the ice and did not return to the game. The U.S. team later said Hutson was out of the hospital and reflecting on daily life.
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U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson (44) is removed from the ice after being injured 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,” the U.S. team said.
“We are grateful for everyone’s attention and care he received.”
Team USA head coach Bob Motzko spoke about the situation after the game.
“It was a scary situation, without a doubt,” he said via ESPN. “It’s a very close group of guys, and they responded. It blows your mind. The building was silent. But the good news is he was released and he’s back with us.”
U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson, bottom, is examined 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 defensive end 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 colors red, white and blue on the ice at the World Junior Championships.
Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the Americans’ goals in a 2-1 victory in their preliminary round match against Switzerland.
Basile Sansonnens scored Switzerland’s only goal.
Swiss forward Robin Antenen, left, skates with the puck as U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson (44) defends during the second period of a game at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
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The United States faces Slovakia on Monday, while Switzerland faces Germany on Tuesday.
