Some scary news out of Minnesota on Thursday morning: Predators general manager David Poile was hit in the face by an errant puck during the Preds’ morning skate at Bridgestone Arena and taken to a nearby hospital.
According to Michael Russo of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Poile – also serving as general manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics – was hit while standing in one of the tunnels connecting to the bench area when a Shea Weber pass deflected off a skate and ricocheted over the boards. From the sounds of things, it was just one of those freak accidents.
Poile suffered some facial injuries when and was a little groggy after the incident but was able to walk to a stretcher. Hopefully it’s nothing more serious than that, but will update as more information becomes available.
Update: Poile required surgery 30-40 stitches to repair an eye socket fracture.
Update: It has been announced that Poile will not be joining Team USA for the Olympics in Sochi because of his injuries. Ray Shero will replace him as acting GM.
