Cole Hutson, Team USA’s No. 1 defenseman and one of its alternate captains, left the ice on a stretcher Saturday night at Grand Casino Arena. The Boston University sophomore was struck in the back of the neck by a puck during the second period of the game and laid motionless on the ice for several minutes.

Medical personnel immediately attended to Hutson, and a stretcher was called out. Hutson was moving his extremities before medics immobilized him and placed him on a backboard before removing him from the playing surface.

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According to reports, Hutson was conscious and able to communicate before leaving the ice. He was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Team USA defenseman Cole Hutson was conscious and alert as he left the ice surface.

U.S. captain Brodie Ziemer said he was able to communicate with Hutson while Hutson was on the stretcher.

Hutson is currently at an area hospital for further evaluation. @NHLMedia

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 28, 2025

Hutson had two assists and led all players in time on ice in USA’s opening win over Germany and was the first defenseman to lead the World Juniors in scoring when he had 11 points last year in Ottawa, where the U.S. won gold.

Hutson, who is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson, is a second-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals.

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 (pictured below) 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."

UPDATE (9:30 p.m. CT): Team USA head coach Bob Motzko told the media that Hutson was released from the hospital and was able to rejoin his team in the locker room after the game was over. He will be reevaluated in the morning to determine his status for the remainder of the tournament. For now, he is listed as day-to-day, according to USA Hockey.

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