USA’s Cole Hutson out day-to-day after taking puck to head
ST. PAUL, Minn. – USA Hockey coach Bob Motzko told reporters on Sunday afternoon that defenseman Cole Hutson is out day-to-day after taking a puck to the head against Switzerland the previous day.
Hutson was stretchered off the ice and sent to the hospital during the second period. The Washington Capitals prospect eventually left the arena in an ambulance and was taken to a nearby hospital. He was released shortly after USA’s 2-1 victory.
Hutson joined USA for practice, but did not participate in any on-ice action.
“He’s back with us, had a smile on his face this morning at breakfast, came on the bus with us,” Motzko said after practice. “So we’ll just talk to the medical people and go day to day.”
USA head coach Bob Motzko provides an update on Cole Hutson, who was at practice in street clothes this morning.#WorldJuniors #WJC #Hockey #TeamUSA #USAHockey pic.twitter.com/VAkx1Vhbh7
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 28, 2025The Boston University product excelled in the Americans’ World Junior Championship opener against Germany on Boxing Day. Along with being one of the team’s on-ice leaders, Hutson registered a pair of assists in a 6-3 victory.
Hutson was the top scorer at the 2025 World Juniors, a rarity for a defenseman. In seven games, he scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points. It was the third gold medal of his international career, as Hutson led the U.S. to the top of the podium at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
A star with Boston University, Hutson has scored seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 18 games with the Terriers thus far.
The Americans did not play on Sunday, but will return to action on Saturday with a 6:00 PM ET start against Slovakia. They’ll then have Tuesday off before finishing the round robin on Dec. 31 against Sweden. USA Hockey will look to continue their hopes for a three-peat when the playoff round kicks off on Friday, Jan. 2.