Cole Hutson was back with Team USA and is listed as day-to-day. During the second period in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Switzerland at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships, Hutson was hit in the back of the neck with a shot. He was stretchered off the ice and sent to the hospital. United States de fenseman Cole Hutson, bottom, is looked at by medical staff after sustaining an injury as members of the United States team look on during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game against Switzerland, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn) U.S. coach Bob Motzko told the media on Sunday afternoon that Hutson rejoined the team about 30 minutes after the game ended. Hutson was at the Team USA practice but did not skate on Sunday afternoon at TRIA Rink in St. Paul. “He’s back with us. He had a smile on his face this morning when he got on the bus,” Motzko said. “We’ll talk with the medical people and go day-to-day.” U.S. players and coaches remain optimistic that Hutson will return to the lineup before the end of the tournament. “We’re all scared. We talked about it last night,” Motzko said. “You don’t know what’s going on. He got looked at and was cleared to get back over here. Now it’s just day-to-day, and hopefully we get him back.” Boston University teammate Cole Eiserman said he has been texting with Terriers head coach Jay Pandolfo over the last 24 hours about the injury. When Hutson was motionless on the ice, Eiserman was photographed by Getty photographer David Berding holding Hutson’s hand. “I wasn’t really a hockey player in that moment,” Eiserman said. “I’ve known Hutty since he was ‘Little Hutty.’ He’s been the same kid and guy since we were 7 years old, 8 years old, before we could even start playing AAA. It’s been a long friendship that’s been growing and growing and growing. He’s one of my best friends for life.” Hutson is one of the most prolific WJC defenders in American history. He has three goals and 11 assists in nine WJC games over two years and tied with Ryan Suter for the second-most points by an American defenseman in WJC play. Hutson has also had a prolific college career at BU. The 5-foot-11, 172-pound, 43rd-overall pick by the Washington Capitals in 2024 had 14 goals and 34 assists for the Terriers in 2024-25. He has seven goals and 13 assists so far in his sophomore season. “He’s one of the best defensemen in the world,” Motzko said. “That’s sports, man, it’s part of sports. The next guy’s got to step up. Everyone has to carry their weight as we trudge through this until we get him back in there. “Tight group. They’re going to roll on. I think the fact that he’s back with us is a relief. We’re not worried about anything else. These are athletes, highly trained. He’s going to be inspirational to the guys.” Hutson is a North Barrington, Ill., native who played in the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2022-24. He helped the U.S. earn its second consecutive gold medal at the 2025 WJC in Ottawa. Motzko said that Hutson’s positive injury developments could provide a boost to the U.S. as it heads into its third preliminary game at 5 p.m. Monday against Slovakia. Related Articles World Junior Hockey Championship games will play as scheduled today How Gophers football plans to attack transfer portal next week Gophers expected to hire Stanford assistant Bobby April as rush ends coach While other programs tampered, Anthony Smith announces his return to Gophers for 2026 Gophers score walk-off win in Rate Bowl, 20-17 over New Mexico ...read more read less