Jordan Smith Undergoes Surgery

[VodkaFish]

PORTLAND, ME – The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Portland Pirates announced today that Jordan Smith is recovering at Maine Medical Center after a second successful surgery performed on his left eye. Smith is under the care of orbital specialist Dr. Natan D. Kahn M.D., and retinal specialist Dr. Jeffrey K. Moore M.D.

“Today Jordan underwent a second surgery on his left eye, which was uncomplicated. It was determined pre-operatively that vision in the eye could not be restored and the intent of today’s operation was to keep the eye comfortable and achieve the best cosmetic outcome. The surgery was successful in all aspects and he is recovering well and will be discharged tomorrow,” said Dr. Moore.

Today’s surgery came 10 days after Smith experienced extreme trauma to his left eye, caused by a deflected puck on February 24th as Portland faced Manchester. At that time, Smith received emergency eye surgery performed by Dr. Moore and Dr. Kahn at Maine Eye Center.

"This is a very difficult situation for a young, brave man to go through. Our thoughts are with the entire Smith family, and Jordan will always be a part of ours,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Burke. “He will rebound from this and we will be there for him and his family as they move forward from here."

Smith was drafted in the second round (39th overall) of the 2004 NHL entry draft. In his first year of professional hockey, he has recorded 6-8=14 points and 145 penalty minutes in 55 games with Portland this season.

[E_S_A_D]

This is so sad... I used to watch him in the OHL, what a class act and one hell of a hockey player. This aspect of the article is DEVESTATING... My thoughts are with him and his family, and I hope the Mighty Ducks take care of him financially for as long as possible- $600,000 won't cut it in his couple year contract long term.
""""It was determined pre-operatively that vision in the eye could not be restored and the intent of today’s operation was to keep the eye comfortable and achieve the best cosmetic outcome.
""""

[ChiefJerseyJab]

Being from Sault Ste MArie. I have also had the privelege of watching Jordan. Tough as hell and could play the game. I think what i'll remember most about him was when he fought Robin Big Snake from Owen Sound. Two of the toughest guys in the 'O' going punch for punch, in what I thought to be one of the best fights in the Memorial Gardens. Both tapping each other head out of respect afterwards. That to me is what hockey is all about. Thanks Jordan, for all the memorable tilts in the Soo.

[Maine Mariner]

Jordan will have a very successful future without a doubt.

The kid is tough as nails!

Thanks for making your hockey career a memorable one !!!

#32 Jordan Smith, Portland Pirates

[tasker1]

Very unfortunate indeed. So did the puck just break every bone in the area of his eye? Reason I ask is because guys get hit in the eye and miss a month or 2, but this puck must have ruptured something in the eye or something especially since the vision cant be restored. It sucks that his career is over, but hope he recovers quickly.

[Jocke]

Is it ruled out that he would be able to play like Bryan Berard?

[McDonald19]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Is it ruled out that he would be able to play like Bryan Berard?

Berard has like 25-50% vision in his bad eye...where as Smith is going to be at 0%

Good luck in your future after hockey Jordan!

[anglestad]

Originally Posted by tasker1

Very unfortunate indeed. So did the puck just break every bone in the area of his eye? Reason I ask is because guys get hit in the eye and miss a month or 2, but this puck must have ruptured something in the eye or something especially since the vision cant be restored. It sucks that his career is over, but hope he recovers quickly.

the eyeball itself was destroyed 80% of the fluid behind the eye was lost and all the bones around the eye were broken

[LAKINGSNUT]

i think Anaheim has been great with this so far. Burke visited Smith in the hospital twice, and they are going to honor the rest of his contract which will pay him $600,000. very classy moves!

good luck to Smith in the future!