Canada rolled through a preliminary test against Team Switzerland in Milan, but an injury drew media attention. A late-game collision between Tom Wilson and Kevin Fiala cast a shadow over an otherwise spectacular game.
After Switzerland lost one of its top forwards, Wilson spoke about the incident, which even saddened the Los Angeles Kings.
Tom Wilson Addresses Kevin Fiala Hit in Canada-Switzerland Game
Tom Wilson spoke publicly after the collision that left Kevin Fiala hospitalized and ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident occurred late in Canada’s 5-1 win over Switzerland at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, when the two players became tangled along the boards in the third period.
Fiala had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher after suffering what appeared to be a serious leg injury. Reports from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman later confirmed he underwent surgery in Italy, with the injury ending his season.
“One update from last night: Kevin Fiala is having surgery this morning in Italy,” Friedman wrote. “No clarity yet on exact injury, but, unfortunately, it will be season-ending. All the best to him in his recovery.”
The 29-year-old winger had been skating on Switzerland’s top line and entered the tournament as one of the team’s primary offensive threats.
Wilson addressed the situation after the game and expressed regret over the outcome.
“It’s the Olympic Games, and I feel terrible that he may not be able to keep playing,” Wilson said, via Mark Masters. “Just sending his family and him my best. You never want to see a guy go down, in a tournament like this, especially.”
Meanwhile, Team Canada continued their dominant start in the tournament. The Canadians secured the top spot in Group A, with two strong wins and a goal difference of 10-1 over the same period.
Now, they have secured a direct berth into the quarterfinals, fueled by a high-powered line featuring Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini. Each of them scored a goal with additional contributions from Sidney Crosby and Thomas Harley against Switzerland. However, an injury to Fiala was not something that anyone expected.
READ MORE: Penguins Star Sidney Crosby Makes Feelings Clear on Macklin Celebrini’s Place in Team Canada
For Switzerland, the loss extends beyond one result. Fiala’s absence will now have to be accommodated in their lineup, and it raises questions about their depth heading into the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, the injury also brings sad news for the Kings, the NHL team Fiala played for. He had 18 goals and 40 points in 56 games this season, playing a key offensive role for the franchise.
