ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Nashville Predators and Team USA General Manager David Poile has undergone successful surgery after being hit in the face by a puck, the team said Friday.
Poile underwent a pair of procedures to repair a fractured eye socket and repair a deep facial gash at a St. Paul, Minn., hospital, sustained when he was hit by an errant puck during a Thursday practice session at Xcel Energy Center as the Predators were preparing to play the Minnesota Wild.
The 63-year-old GM will remain in the Minnesota city and won't immediately accompany the American hockey squad to the Sochi Winter Olympics.
"His return to Nashville is yet to be determined and is pending doctors' evaluation and recommendation," the team said. "At this point, he will not travel to Sochi as originally planned with Team USA on Sunday, but he does look forward to joining Team USA during the Olympics."
The Americans open up their schedule Feb. 13 against Slovakia.
Citing sources familiar with the situation, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported there are fears Poile may have suffered retina damage that could at least partially impair his vision.
