Switerland’s Kevin Fiala was forced out of Olympic action due to a injury causing collision (Image: Getty)

Switzerland’s Kevin Fiala was carried off the ice on a stretcher Friday after a terrifying collision late in a 5-1 loss to Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

With roughly 2:50 remaining in the third period, Fiala became tangled along the boards with Canada’s Tom Wilson. The Canadian defender earned scathing criticism online from some spectators who labeled the hit “unnecessary” and another who added that the Olympics were “no place for a dirty hit” like the one that occurred.

Canadian fans called it a “freak accident,” saying Wilson couldn’t control where he landed. As they fell, Wilson landed on the NHL star’s left leg, which twisted awkwardly in an unnatural bend.

All that happened while Olympic curling exploded into chaos as cheating accusations sparked a profanity-laced confrontation between Canada and Sweden.

Fiala immediately pointed toward his skate in visible distress and was unable to put any weight on the leg. Medical staff rushed to the scene, and he was eventually placed face down on a stretcher.

Fiala’s left leg was reportedly secured in an air cast, and he was then wheeled off the ice as players from both teams tapped their sticks in support. Officials did not assess a penalty on the play.

Kevin Fiala left the game against Canada on a stretcher (Image: NBC/Peacock)

The internet responded immediately, describing the decision as “absolutely horrible” and “super unlucky.” For Switzerland, it was a devastating blow, as Fiala is among the country’s leading offensive players.

He recorded one assist in two preliminary-round games, including a helper in a 4-0 win over France on Feb. 12. The Swiss now sit 1-1 in Group A and face a critical matchup against Czechia on Sunday to determine seeding.

For the Los Angeles Kings, the concern extends beyond Olympic standings. Fiala has 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 56 NHL games this season and is vital to their playoff push. Los Angeles resumes play on Feb. 25 after the Olympic break, which will affect their Western Conference race.

Kevin Fiala’s collision with Tom Wilson was dissected by hockey fans (Image: Getty)

Fiala has a history of injuries. During the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he suffered a fractured femur in another severe lower-body injury that required a stretcher and surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Other NHL players have also already been sidelined during the opening days of the Olympic tournament, including Canada’s Josh Morrissey and Finland’s Niko Mikkola. The Florida Panthers defenseman was seen limping after trying to block a shot during Finland’s 4-1 win against Sweden.

Morrissey’s left leg injury against Czechia occurred during Canada’s opening game of the tournament. Olympic hockey has so far delivered drama, upsets, and innovative moments, including the NHL’s MS Paint highlight workaround, which circulated to circumvent NBC’s broadcast restrictions.