Kevin Fiala Hurt, Out of Olympics After Hockey Game Collision

Swiss ice hockey player Kevin Fiala will not play more in the Olympics. He got a leg injury during a game with Canada. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The Olympic dreams for Swiss ice hockey player Kevin Fiala have ended prematurely. During a game against Team Canada, Fiala sustained a significant leg injury following a collision with Tom Wilson. He was stretchered off the ice and has since been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. This unfortunate turn of events impacts Switzerland's roster and adds a layer of concern beyond the game's outcome.

Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath

The incident occurred late in the game between Switzerland and Canada, which Switzerland ultimately lost. Reports indicate that Fiala backed into a hit near the boards with Wilson. Their legs became tangled, causing both players to fall. Fiala remained down on the ice, appearing to be in distress and unable to bear weight on his left leg. Medical personnel quickly attended to him.

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  • Fiala was placed on a stretcher and transported off the ice, facing down.

  • His left leg was observed to be in an air cast.

  • He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

  • Players from both teams expressed concern, tapping their sticks on the ice in solidarity as Fiala was removed.

Switzerland confirmed later that evening that Fiala would not be able to continue in the Olympics. It was also noted that Switzerland is not permitted to replace him on their 25-man roster.

Kevin Fiala Injury Update: Swiss Ice Hockey Player Ruled Out of Olympics After Stretcher Drama - 1

Accounts of the Collision

Witnesses and reports offer slightly different perspectives on the moments leading up to and during the collision:

"Fiala backed into a hit on Wilson near the boards and immediately went to the ice." - ESPN

"The two Olympians got engaged near the boards, and Wilson fell on top of Fiala as they both hit the ice." - ClutchPoints

"Fiala backed into a hit on Wilson near the boards, their legs got tangled up and both players fell to the ice." - AP News

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Tom Wilson himself reportedly did not hear a scream and was unaware of the severity of Fiala's injury at the time. He was able to get back on his feet after the collision.

Fiala's Olympic Status and Team Impact

The injury marks a definitive end to Kevin Fiala's participation in the current Olympic Games. He is a forward for the Los Angeles Kings and a key player for the Swiss national team.

Kevin Fiala Injury Update: Swiss Ice Hockey Player Ruled Out of Olympics After Stretcher Drama - 2

  • Fiala had recorded his first career Olympic point, an assist, in Switzerland's earlier win against France.

  • His absence is described as a "major loss" for Switzerland, who have sent what is considered their "best group" to the Olympics.

  • The team is scheduled to play Czechia next, with the winner securing second place in Group A.

Observations on Fiala's Condition

While Fiala was visibly distressed and unable to move his lower body when stretchered off, there were some signs of upper body movement. The presence of an air cast on his left leg suggests a potentially significant injury.

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  • Unable to bear weight on his left leg.

  • Appeared visibly distressed, pointing to his skate.

  • Lower body clearly injured, no movement observed while being wheeled off.

  • Upper body movement was possible.

Expert and Teammate Reactions

Players on both sides expressed well wishes for Fiala's recovery.

"You never want to see a guy go down in a tournament like this. It [stinks] for their country, for their team, and just wishing him a quick recovery.” - Nico Hischier, Switzerland forward

"I think both sides are wishing him the best." - Nico Hischier, Switzerland forward

"We need that guy on my team back home, big-time." - Drew Doughty, Canada defenseman and Fiala's LA Kings teammate (as quoted in other reports)

Conclusion and Next Steps

Kevin Fiala's Olympic tournament is over due to a leg injury sustained during a collision with Tom Wilson. He was stretchered off the ice and taken to the hospital, with his team confirming he will not return. The exact nature and long-term prognosis of his injury remain under further medical evaluation. Switzerland must now proceed without a key player.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Kevin Fiala?
Kevin Fiala got a leg injury during an ice hockey game against Canada. He was hit and fell, and could not stand up.
Q: Will Fiala play more in the Olympics?
No, he is out for the rest of the games. His team cannot replace him.
Q: Who did Fiala collide with?
He collided with Tom Wilson of Team Canada. Their legs got tangled up.
Q: How bad is Fiala's injury?
It is serious enough that he could not put weight on his leg and needed a stretcher. He went to the hospital for more checks.
Q: Is this a big problem for Switzerland?
Yes, Fiala is a key player for the Swiss team, and his absence is a big loss.