SOCHI, RUSSIA – U.S. men's hockey general manager David Poile won't travel to Russia for the Olympics because of injuries he sustained when he was struck by a puck at Nashville's morning skate at Xcel Energy Center last Thursday.
Team USA made the announcement following practice late Monday night after arriving in Sochi earlier in the day.
"It's just not advisable now for him to come to Sochi with everything he still has to deal with," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "We're in very good and constant communication with David the past three days and everything he's put into this program and this team as our GM ... It's just unfortunate that he can't join us here in Sochi."
Johansson said Poile will remain Team USA's general manager, but Ray Shero will serve as acting general manager in Sochi.
"We're going to miss David as a friend, probably more than anything," Johannson said. "But we're going to miss a guy that's been so dedicated to our program. We'll be carrying a big part of him with us all week."
Poile underwent two successful surgical procedures in the nose and eye areas and received stitches to repair a facial laceration. Team USA officials said Poile was released from the hospital and has returned to Nashville.
