Olympic Shock: Kevin Fiala Stretchered Off in Canada Clash
Switzerland’s hopes in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament took a dramatic hit as Los Angeles Kings forward Kevin Fiala was stretchered off the ice late in the third period against Canada. The 29-year-old suffered a serious lower leg injury after a collision with Canadian forward Tom Wilson, leaving fans and teammates in stunned silence at the Milano Santagiulia Arena. Fiala was unable to put weight on his leg and medical staff quickly moved him off the ice and to the hospital. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation confirmed he will miss the remainder of the tournament.
Fiala, a seasoned NHL star in his 12th season, has been a cornerstone for Switzerland in international play. He helped lead his country to silver medals at the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Championships and was a key contributor in Switzerland’s opening 4-0 victory over France, recording an assist. On Friday, despite logging over 20 minutes of ice time, he couldn’t avoid the unfortunate collision that ended his Olympic campaign.
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The incident occurred along the boards late in the game, with both Fiala and Wilson vying for puck possession. An awkward fall left Fiala on his stomach and he could not roll over without assistance. Switzerland’s head coach Patrick Fischer described the moment as “tough, tough, tough,” emphasizing the emotional blow it delivered to both Fiala and the entire team. His absence now leaves Switzerland scrambling to adjust their lineup as they prepare to face Czechia in the final group stage match.
For the Los Angeles Kings, Fiala’s injury resonates beyond the Olympics. He’s currently the team’s third-highest scorer, with 18 goals and 22 assists in 56 games this season. Teammates, including Drew Doughty, expressed concern, highlighting Fiala’s importance both on the ice in Milan and back home in the NHL. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, as the Kings are in a tight race for a wild card spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
This moment underscores the high stakes and physical intensity of Olympic hockey, where elite players risk career-impacting injuries in pursuit of national glory. Fiala’s absence could shift Switzerland’s momentum and alter the dynamics in Group A as teams vie for positioning in the knockout rounds.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on his condition, hoping for a full recovery. Stay with us as this story develops and continue following for the latest from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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