via the Nashville Predators,

Predators’ General Manager David Poile returned to Nashville on Sunday and is recovering from injuries sustained when struck by a puck last Thursday morning during the team’s morning practice at the Xcel Energy Center.

Due to the injury and recovery, Poile, who is also General Manager of Team USA, will not travel to Sochi for the 2014 Olympics. He issued the following statement today:

“I first want to thank everyone who has reached out to me since suffering this injury. The outpouring of support and comfort has been overwhelming. My priority is to adhere to the advice and counsel of the medical team and, as a result, I will not be traveling to Sochi to be with Team USA during the Winter Olympics. Serving as GM of the U.S. Olympic Team has been the opportunity of a lifetime and I am forever grateful to USA Hockey. However, it is not possible for me to travel at this time, but I will remain in contact with Ray Shero, Brian Burke, Jim Johansson and our coaching staff during the Games. Team USA is in great hands and I will be there in spirit. I wish all the best for our players, coaches and entire group as they begin play in the 2014 Olympics and go for the gold.”