The head of the 30-year old Swede is shaved and a long scar is visible, as he recovers from successful surgery that removed a benign brain tumor.

"It was a little scary," sad Holm. "You're not such a tough hockey player when you go through something like that."

Holm had successful surgey on a the tumor at West Virgnia Univeristy Hospital. The tumor was first discovered when he an MRI for a concussion, revealed the tumor.

"I'm just lucky they found it now, rather than later," said Holm.

His fiance and mother came from Sweeden to be with him during surgery, and are still with him as he recovers.

"I'm getting stronger every day," said Holm, who is staying at the home of Mike and Sue Baker of Wheeling. Baker owned the Nailers when Holm was a rookie in the 1998-1999 season, and they've been good firends since.

At first, doctors weren't sure if they could remove the entire tumor, but as it turns out, they did.

"I'm relieved, and not sure if I'll play hockey again, but you never know," added Holm.