Swiss Star Fiala Out of Olympics After Injury vs. Canada

Lower-leg injury ends Kevin Fiala's 2026 Winter Games

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan suffered a heartbreaking moment on Friday as Swiss forward Kevin Fiala sustained a lower-leg injury during a game against Canada. The incident, involving a collision with Canadian forward Tom Wilson, resulted in Fiala being stretchered off the ice and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Why it matters

Fiala's injury is a significant blow to Switzerland's Olympic hockey aspirations, as he is a key player for the national team. The incident also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding player safety in ice hockey, with calls for further rule changes and safety measures to protect athletes.

The details

The injury occurred late in the third period of the Canada-Switzerland match, with the score already heavily in Canada's favor (5-1). Tom Wilson's check sent Fiala into the boards, and he appeared unable to move his left leg. The Swiss team and fans watched with concern as Fiala was carefully removed from the ice on a stretcher. Canada's players showed support by tapping their sticks on the ice as Fiala was transported to the hospital.

  • The injury occurred late in the third period of the Canada-Switzerland match on February 14, 2026.

The players

Kevin Fiala

A Swiss forward who currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL and has 40 points in 56 games this season.

Tom Wilson

A Canadian forward who was involved in the collision with Fiala.

Patrick Fischer

The head coach of the Swiss ice hockey team.

Nico Hischier

A Swiss forward who commented on the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The full extent of Fiala's injury and his recovery timeline remain uncertain, but the loss of the star player is a significant blow to Switzerland's Olympic hockey hopes.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing the physicality of hockey with player safety, and it will likely prompt further discussions about rule enforcement and potential changes to protect athletes from serious injuries.