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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Pohl, who was ready to return after a six-week absence because of an ankle injury, has been granted a leave from the NHL club so he can be with his younger brother Tom, a senior forward with the University of Minnesota Gophers who was seriously injured on the weekend.
The 23-year-old Pohl underwent brain surgery and remains in intensive care, but is listed in fair condition at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., a medical facility that is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic.
The younger Pohl was injured in the Gophers 3-2 double overtime playoff victory over Minnesota State. He was airlifted to St. Marys. He was hurt early in the second period after he dumped the puck into the opposition’s end and then smacked by the elbow of Minnesota State forward Jason Wiley.
Pohl’s helmet came off and he went face-first into the top of the side boards, knocking him unconscious.
The younger Pohl reportedly was feeling better yesterday and talking hockey with his family.
“He’s still in intensive care,” Leafs coach Paul Maurice said. “But I understand the situation is more hopeful now.”
Pohl, a popular player with his Gopher teammates, was named to the conference all-academic team for the third year in a row last Friday.
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