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Leafs D Berard to require further surgery on eye

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan Berard must undergo further surgery before it can be determined whether he can regain the vision in his right eye, a Toronto doctor said today.

Berard was struck in the eye by Ottawa right wing Marian Hossa's stick during Saturday's game. He underwent emergency eye surgery late Saturday night in Ottawa and was flown to Toronto Monday morning.

Dr. Rob Devenyi, a vitreoretinal surgeon in Toronto Hospital's Department of Opthamology, updated Berard's condition at a news conference this afternoon.

"At this point, it is not possible to make a statement on his visual recovery," Devenyi said. "It is not possible to look in the eye because it is full of blood. He will need more surgery if there is a chance (to regain vision). Time will tell and exploratory surgery will give more information."

Berard, 23, is listed in satisfactory condition and likely will undergo surgery when the swelling in his cornea subsides.

Maple Leafs general manager and coach Pat Quinn and president Ken Dryden attended today's briefing.

"This has been tough for the whole team," Quinn said. "We have to move on, but Bryan is in our thoughts."

Berard was clipped under the eye by a high stick from Hossa with 4:40 remaining in the second period. He immediately fell to his knees, holding his right eye above a pool of blood until trainers could reach him. Hossa received a double minor for high-sticking.

The incident and extent of Berard's injury could convince more players to use full visors to protect their eyes from pucks and high sticks.

"Hopefully, facial protection will be as standard as helmets for the players and masks for the goaltenders," Dryden said.

Berard signed a two-year contract worth more than $3 million with Toronto last fall. He ranks second among Maple Leafs defensemen in scoring with three goals and 27 assists in 64 games.

The top overall pick in the 1995 draft by Ottawa, the 6-1, 203-pounder was acquired from the New York Islanders in January 1999 for goaltender Felix Potvin and a swap of sixth-round draft picks.

Berard combined for nine goals and 25 assists in 69 games last season, his third in the NHL.

© 1999 SportsTicker Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved.


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