UPDATE: In a critical development for Team USA, defenseman Cole Hutson has returned to the squad following a concerning injury during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships. Hutson was stretchered off the ice after being struck in the neck during the second period of a 2-1 victory against Switzerland.
Team USA head coach Bob Motzko confirmed Hutson’s status, revealing he rejoined the team just 30 minutes after the game concluded. While he attended practice on Sunday at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Hutson did not participate in skating. “He’s back with us. He had a smile on his face this morning when he got on the bus,” Motzko stated.
As of now, Hutson is listed as day-to-day, with players and coaches remaining hopeful for his return before the tournament’s conclusion. Motzko expressed the team’s relief, stating, “We’re all scared. You don’t know what’s going on. He got looked at and was cleared to get back over here.”
In a poignant moment captured by Getty photographer David Berding, Hutson’s Boston University teammate Cole Eiserman was seen holding his hand while he awaited medical attention. “I wasn’t really a hockey player in that moment,” Eiserman recalled. “He’s one of my best friends for life.”
Hutson, a standout defender, boasts an impressive record with three goals and 11 assists in just nine WJC games over two years, ranking him alongside Ryan Suter for the second-most points by an American defenseman in WJC history. The 5-foot-11, 172-pound player was selected 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft and has continued to excel in his college career.
Motzko emphasized the importance of Hutson’s presence, saying, “He’s one of the best defensemen in the world. The next guy’s got to step up. Everyone has to carry their weight.” The team is gearing up for their next preliminary game against Slovakia on Monday at 5 p.m., and Hutson’s potential return could serve as a significant morale boost.
As Team USA faces the challenges of the tournament, Motzko noted, “Adversity hits every single team in this tournament. It’s how you handle it. Maybe this is ours?” The situation remains fluid, and updates on Hutson’s condition will be closely monitored as the team aims for victory.
