Coyotes’ Barrett Hayton leaves game, injured in World Junior semi-final

Arizona Coyotes rookie Barrett Hayton left the semi-final game of the IIHF World Junior Championship with an injury after crashing into the boards against Finland.

Hayton, the captain of Canada’s national junior team, was playing on loan from the Coyotes. The hit took place in the third period with Canada holding a 5-0 lead.

🇨🇦 Canada’s leading goal scorer Barrett Hayton heads to the dressing room after this play. 😬😬 pic.twitter.com/xTamCxdvP7

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2020

Following the hit, which came from Finland captain Lassi Thomson, Hayton skated off the ice favoring his left arm.

Hayton’s linemate Alexis Lafreniere, who is projected as one of the top picks in the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft, scored two goals for Canada in the game while Hayton tallied two assists. Canada was up 3-0 just four minutes into the game, the final score was 5-0.

It has been a busy tournament for Hayton who leads Canada in goals scored and is tied for the overall lead with 11 points in the tournament. He also issued a written apology to the Russian team for leaving his helmet on during the Russian National Anthem, following Canada’s 6-0 defeat to Russia on Dec. 28.

“I’m sorry for leaving my helmet on for the Russian anthem following today’s game and I apologize to the Russian team and its fans,” Hayton’s statement read.

The Russian players refused to shake Hayton’s hand in the post-game handshake line.

“The Russians played a great game tonight and my actions were not intended to be disrespectful. My mistake should not detract from their win. I owe it to my team and all Canadians to be better,” Hayton said in the statement.

Canada and Russia are scheduled to meet in the Gold Medal final on Sunday. Hayton’s availability for the game has not been determined.

Hayton has appeared in 14 games for the Coyotes this season scoring one goal, three assists and logging a +1 with 12 penalty minutes.

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