Fiala Injured in Olympics Following Wilson’s Awkward Hit
Los Angeles Kings player Kevin Fiala suffered a significant injury during the Olympics in a match against Canada. The incident occurred late in the third period, involving an awkward hit from Tom Wilson, resulting in Fiala being stretchered off the ice.
Injury Details
Switzerland announced that Fiala would not return for the remainder of the Olympic tournament due to a lower-body injury. Coach Patrick Fischer stated that Fiala was taken to the hospital after the collision with Wilson, which appeared to have impacted his leg. He expressed concern over the severity of the injury, describing it as a tough moment for both Fiala and the team.
Match Incident
- Fiala was injured late in the third period.
- Tom Wilson’s hit went unpenalized.
- Fiala was stretchered off the ice.
Fiala’s Performance and Importance
Before his injury, Fiala was a key player for the Kings, ranking second on the team with 18 goals and 40 total points over 56 games. He is one of ten NHL players representing Switzerland in the tournament.
Reactions from the Ice
Drew Doughty, Fiala’s teammate on the Kings, expressed his concern following the incident. He mentioned wanting to check on Fiala while he was on the ground and planned to find him as soon as possible.
Implications for the Kings
This injury comes at a critical time for the Kings, who recently acquired star forward Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break. The team is currently in a tight race, being just one point out of the second wild card position in the Western Conference.
Fiala’s Injury History
This is not the first serious injury for Fiala; he previously sustained a broken femur during the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2017. The Kings and fans alike will be watching closely to gauge the extent of this latest injury and its long-term effects on his career.