Dec 30, 2025
3 min read
The USA Junior World Championship teammates also play together at Boston University
SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Cole Yzerman called a moment instinctual when he skated over to injured teammate Cole Hutson, who was lying on the ice, to lend a hand of support.
It happened at 11:01 a.m. in the second round of the final preliminary round of the USA's 2-1 win over Switzerland at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship on Saturday at the Grand Casino Arena.
Hutson (Washington Capitals), considered by many to be the best defenseman participating in this year's World Juniors, was hit by the puck near the back of his helmet after a shot from the right point and immediately fell to the ice.
In addition to Yzerman (New York Islanders) and several American teammates, the American defender's assistant was accompanied by several doctors.
"I wasn't really a hockey player at the time," Ezerman said."He went down and I just asked him if he was okay. You could tell by his face and everything that he was in shock, so I just wanted to hold his hand, make sure he knew I was there. When he came back to life a little bit, I told him to stop, and he could lay down, so I could rest a little bit and that's it."It made me feel good and around us."
A photo of Eiserman holding Hutson's hand as he walked down the ice went viral throughout the hockey community.
"I prayed the whole time, God did His thing and got him back," Eiserman said."I can breathe when I know he can squeeze my hand. I just want him to know that I am there for him, that I am by his side no matter what."
Eiserman and Hutson have been friends for more than nine years and were teammates at Boston University in the Hockey East.
Hutson attended practice for the United States on Sunday, but is expected to miss the ice today, according to USA coach Bob Motzko.
"[Eiserman and Hutson] have been teammates for a long time, in the US National Team Development Program and now at Boston University, and that's what teammates do," Motzko said. "[Eiserman] wasn't on the ice [when Hutson was hit by the puck], but he crawled to the boards and went over there to help his teammate. I know [the picture] was everywhere and that tells the whole story. I don't think he has toI add that.You can tell how close and tight they are."
“Cole thanked us for the text message and said it’s part of the game and this happens,” Eizerman said.“We all support him and he supports his, so we’re just making sure he’s okay.He's quiet, but he's good."
It remains to be seen whether Hutson will be able to return to the series, but if he does, he will break two important U.S. records at the World Juniors.
"He's the best defenseman in the world, but that's just part of the game," Motsko said."Injuries happen and the next guy has to step up. Everyone has to carry their weight as we go through this and get him back there."
The 19-year-old left-handed shooter, who had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in nine games at the World Juniors, needs a point to tie with U.S. defenseman Eric Johnson at the World Juniors.He needs just one assist to pass Ryan Suter (10) for the all-time leader among U.S. defensemen in the tournament.
"I'm definitely hopeful he can come back," Eiserman said."Obviously, this is our last year playing in a tournament together [at the World Juniors]. He's got some big things he can do and hopefully we can too."
