Cole Hutson leaves the WJC game against Switzerland on a stretcher

Vincent Larue
Cole Hutson leaves the WJC game against Switzerland on a stretcher
Credit: Screenshot

The tournament is still young, but it's already reminding us just how quickly everything can change on the ice.

The World Junior Championship has already provided us with its share of emotions since the start of the tournament, but we were treated to a truly worrying moment today.

During Team USA's second preliminary game against Switzerland, Lane's brother Cole Hutson had to leave the game on a stretcher after being shot directly in the head.

The scene occurred midway through the second half. As the play unfolded in the American zone, Hutson found himself in the path of an opposing shot.

The puck hit him solidly on the head, and it was immediately clear that this was no mere discomfort.

Play was quickly stopped and the medical staff immediately intervened. After several minutes of assessment on the ice, the American defenseman was immobilized and carried off the ice on a stretcher, as his teammates and fans looked on in concern.

This is a big loss for the American team. Cole Hutson is this team's quarterback and a pillar of both defense and offense.

It's hard not to think of Lane Hutson at a time like this. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman, well known to fans, is obviously following his brother's career closely. To see Cole leave a World Junior game like that is the kind of scene that sends chills down the spine, no matter what team you're rooting for.

With the incident, Cole Hutson was off to a good start to the tournament, living up to expectations. He was mobile, involved offensively, and very active in transition. He clearly represents an important piece of the American defensive brigade in this tournament.

For the moment, no official update has been communicated by the American team regarding his state of health. We can only hope that the injury is not as serious as the image left on the ice.

All we know is that he was conscious when he left the ice.

One thing's for sure, moments like this are a reminder of just how quickly hockey can turn on a dime. In a matter of seconds, a game becomes secondary.

All eyes will now be on the next news concerning Cole Hutson, and above all, we hope he pulls through without any major consequences.


overtime

– J.J. Moser signs an eight-year extension worth $6.75 million per year.

– The Laval Rocket win their game against the Syracuse Crunch by a score of 4-3 in a shootout.

– Big fight between Logan Stanley and Jake Middleton.

– What a shot from Will Zellers with Team USA, where Mom hides the cookies!

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