MILAN — Kevin Fiala’s Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 came to a heartbreaking conclude Friday as the Swiss forward suffered a leg injury during a 5-1 loss to Canada in Group A play at Santagiulia Arena.
The incident occurred late in the third period at 17:10 when Fiala was checked into the boards by Canadian forward Tom Wilson, with Wilson subsequently falling onto Fiala’s left leg. Fiala initially remained on the ice and while able to get onto his elbows, couldn’t move his lower body. He was then immediately transported to a local hospital.
Team Switzerland later announced that Fiala would be unable to continue in the tournament. The loss is a significant blow to the Swiss squad, as Fiala had been a key offensive contributor.
“Obviously, it doesn’t look very good,” Switzerland coach Patrick Fischer said. “Tough, tough, tough moment for Kevin and the whole team, obviously.”
Wilson described the play as unfortunate, stating, “It’s just unlucky. He’s a competitor, obviously, and at this point, it’s the Olympic Games, and I feel terrible that he may not be able to retain playing. I’m sending his family and him my best. You never desire to observe a guy go down in a tournament like this. It [stinks] for their country, for their team, and just wishing him a quick recovery.”
Switzerland forward Nico Hischier indicated that Wilson had no malicious intent. “It seemed like an innocuous play,” Hischier said. “I don’t see any intention at all. It’s an unfortunate play and things like that happen. You get tangled up there and fell and twisted his leg. You saw [Canada] was all out there and they stick-tapped as well. Nobody likes to see that. I think both sides are wishing him the best.”
Canada defenseman Drew Doughty, Fiala’s teammate on the Los Angeles Kings, echoed those sentiments. “Hopefully he’s going to be fine quick,” Doughty said. “We require that guy on my team back home, big time. I’m going to go find him now and see how he’s doing.”
Fiala registered an assist in Switzerland’s 4-0 victory over Team France on Thursday. Switzerland (1-0-1-0) will face Czechia (1-0-1-0) on Sunday, with the winner securing second place in Group A.
The 29-year-old Fiala has been a productive player for the Kings this season, recording 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 56 games. The Kings entered the Olympic break just three points behind the Anaheim Ducks in the race for a Western Conference wild card spot.
“It’s obviously emotional when you see a teammate go down like that,” Switzerland captain Roman Josi said. “He’s such a huge player for us, such a great player and great person. So, we’re hoping for the best.”
