Nashville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - Nashville Predators general manager David Poile is expected to return to work this week as he continues to recover from eye surgery after being hit by a puck.
Poile was struck by an errant puck on Feb. 6 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul during a Predators morning skate. He suffered a fractured orbital bone as well as nose fractures, and underwent surgery at a Minnesota hospital before returning home three days later.
The Predators said Poile underwent another procedure on Feb. 14 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, an operation designed to allow for further evaluation of his injury. He is wearing a patch over his injured eye.
"I know that I have a challenging road ahead, but am going to embrace the challenge and am eager to get back to work," said Poile in a statement Tuesday. "Thank you, in particular to the medical teams at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, and Vanderbilt Medical Center here in Nashville for the outstanding care and attention I have received and continue to receive."
Poile is also serving as Team USA's general manager for the Sochi Olympics and was unable to travel to Russia because of his injuries. He has remained in contact with USA Hockey during the Games.
"Thanks also to all those in Nashville and throughout the hockey community who have reached out to offer support and encouragement," Poile added. "It has been uplifting and most appreciated. I'm looking forward to watching USA's quest for the gold medal in Sochi and the Predators resuming the playoff race."
A timetable for a full recovery has not been determined.
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