Wild's Ballard released from hospital with concussion, multiple facial fractures

Published Dec. 10, 2014 4:08 p.m. ET

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ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Wild defenseman Keith Ballard was released from the hospital Wednesday after suffering multiple facial fractures and a concussion from a head-first hit into the boards in Minnesota's 5-4 win Tuesday night.

The team announced Ballard, 32, is out indefinitely.

Ballard turned away from a hit from New York Islanders forward Matt Martin and went head first into the boards near the Islanders bench. Replays showed Ballard's head also appeared to hit the ice.

Ballard was motionless for a moment with his arms outstretched and he was tended to by medical personnel on the ice for several minutes. A stretcher was immediately brought out for Ballard, but it wasn't used as he was able to get up and was helped off the ice while on his skates.

"I stood up a little bit to see what was going on and it was scary," Yeo said after the game, in which the Wild overcame a three-goal deficit after the incident to beat the Islanders 5-4.

Ballard was kept overnight at Regions Hospital.

Ballard's defensive partner, Nate Prosser, said it "appeared like" Ballard suffered convulsions.

"I know he had a few cuts on his face and I think his head hit the dasher because there was blood on the dasher," Prosser said. "It was just kind of tough to see him down like that."

Martin wasn't penalized on the play. A replay appeared to show Martin possibly hitting Ballard with his forearm. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday that Martin won't face discipline from the league for the play.

"I don't think Martin's a dirty player and (he) wasn't penalized," said Minnesota forward Thomas Vanek, who played with the Islanders last season. "But from what I heard of it, to me, it's a dumb decision. . . . I'm sure it wasn't his intentions. It was sickening, but we took the emotions the right way and deserved to win and we played hard for him."'

Ballard has one assist in 14 games this season. He missed time earlier in the season with the mumps.

The Wild recalled defenseman Justin Falk from the American Hockey League Wednesday. Falk has played in three games with Minnesota this season.