(This blog is a follow-up to [1] Teppo Numminen - Heart Valve Surgery For NHL Hockey Star)

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen had successful open heart surgery on Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic. He had surgery to repair a faulty heart valve. He’ll stay at the Cleveland Clinic for the next few days according to Sabres doctor William Hartrich.

Numminen’s agent, Donald Baizley, told 2 On Your Side that the operation went “extrememly well” and “as well as can be expected.”

Numminen expects to be back on the ice within three months. The 39-year-old learned of the problem during a routine check-up earlier this month and is expected to continue living a normal life after the surgery. It is not the first heart problem Numminen has had, and he has undergone operations previously, although this one was regarded as more serious.

Back at home ice, his teammates expressed joy and relief that the surgery was a success.

“Thats huge. I’m happy to hear that for him and his family. Thats the most important part, his wife and everything. That’s huge,” said fellow defenseman Brian Campbell.

“He’s a great leader in the dressing room. He’s liked by every single guy in here. We’re just moving forward. Thats great news for us. Now we can put our mind towards hockey,” said Sabres forward Derek Roy.

Source: Associated Press