Switzerland’s men’s hockey team took a tough loss on Friday, but the concern likely goes beyond the result.
Forward Kevin Fiala was taken off the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena ice on a stretcher and brought to a local hospital at the end of the third period in Friday’s 5-1 loss in the Olympics preliminary round to Team Canada after ending up in a scary collision.
With about three minutes to go in the contest, Fiala tried to play the puck along the boards before forward Tom Wilson came over to defend, crashing into the Swiss player as both skaters fell to the ice.
While Wilson got back on his feet, Fiala stayed down with his head facing the ice.
Medical personnel eventually came out the ice, taking Fiala off on a stretcher. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Switzerland coach Patrick Fischer did not know the extent of the injury but expressed concern for Fiala.
“I haven’t seen him yet. I think he went to the hospital. Obviously, it doesn’t look very good,” Fischer said, per the Associated Press. “Tough moment for Kevin and the whole team, obviously.”
Wilson, known for many a big hit and his physical play, said there was no “intention” in this particular incident.
“It’s the Olympic Games and I feel terrible that he may not be able to keep playing,” Wilson said, according to The Athletic. “Just sending his family and him my best. You never want to see a guy go down — in a tournament like this, especially. Sucks for the country, for their team. Just wishing him a quick recovery.”
Fischer agreed that the play was just an “accident.”
If Fiala, with 18 goals and 22 assists with the NHL’s Kings this season, misses time, it will be a tough blow to a Swiss team’s that’s 1-1 in the first round.
The team is next slated to play Czechia on Sunday.