Latest on USA's Cole Hutson's Injury After Being Hospitalized at World Junior Hockey

USA Hockey announced defenseman Cole Hutson was discharged from the hospital after a scary injury during Saturday's World Juniors game against Switzerland.

The 19-year-old is considered day-to-day.

With 8:59 left in the second period, Hutson was struck near the back of his neck on a shot by Swiss defenseman Gian Meier. He was stretchered off the ice after receiving treatment from team trainers.

"It was a scary situation, no question," USA coach Bob Motzko said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "It's a very close group of guys, and they responded. It knocks you back. The building was silent. But the good news is that he was released and is back with us."

The United States went on to win 2-1 with goals from Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers.

Hutson played a key role in Team USA winning gold at the 2025 World Juniors. He led all players with 11 points (three goals and eight assists), and he scored the tying goal in the second period of the gold medal game against Finland.

Hutson has been a standout at Boston University as well. As a freshman, he had 13 goals and 30 assists in 32 appearances, with the Terriers finishing national runners-up to Western Michigan.

The Chicago native is off to a strong start in 2025-26. Though 18 appearances, he has scored seven goals and assisted on 13 more.

The United States has two more games in the preliminary round of the World Juniors. It plays Slovakia on Monday and then closes with Sweden on Wednesday. With two wins already, Team USA is in a strong position to earn a high seed in the playoff round.