Nico Sturm Hit in Head by Puck, Renewing Focus on Hockey Helmet Ear Protection

Duluth Superior, MN, October 13, 2026 —

Minnesota Wild player Nico Sturm was hit in the head by a puck during a game, renewing focus on the use of ear protection in hockey helmets. The incident has drawn attention to the issue in the context of a similar injury to Sturm’s teammate, Brock Faber.

The available information does not identify when or where the game took place, the opposing team, or the circumstances of the play. It also does not say whether Sturm was injured, left the game or received medical evaluation. No details were provided about the helmet he was wearing or whether it included ear protection.

The renewed focus centers on the use of ear protection in hockey helmets. The summary does not specify what prompted the discussion, describe any proposed changes to equipment, or indicate whether the Wild, players or league have taken a position. It also provides no details about Faber’s similar injury, including when it occurred or its outcome.

Those gaps leave the immediate circumstances and any response unclear. The information establishes that Sturm was struck in the head by a puck and that the incident has brought renewed attention to ear protection, but it does not establish whether protection was worn or whether it would have changed the outcome. No further details about the incident or any equipment-related review were provided.

For now, the reported connection is between the two players’ head injuries and renewed attention to helmet ear protection. The available account does not identify a policy change, investigation or other next step. Further specifics about Sturm’s condition, the game and the equipment involved were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Jess Myers / St. Paul Pioneer Press on www.duluthnewstribune.com, see more information here.

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