Hockey player Alden Hirschfeld tweeted a hopeful note about his recovery from brain surgery, and also included a gruesome photo that showed the extent of the procedure.

Hirschfeld, who collapsed on the bench with a seizure Jan. 8 while playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, underwent brain surgery on March 14 to correct a malformation.



"Finally feeling a little better," he tweeted Saturday in his first public comment since the surgery. The tweet also included a photo of his sutures along the side of his head, which is pretty intense to look at, (so beware if you choose to click on the tweet).

Hirshfield, 28, is married with a 17-month-old daughter.

Bob Kaser, the announcer for the Griffins and also vice president of community relations, also posted a pair of notes regarding the surgery:

For all asking about @AldenHirschfeld, surgery Monday went "Very well," according to surgeon. Still in GR hospital, hoping to go home soon. — Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) March 19, 2016

Said he'll be in pain and sore for a while. Will rest and try to relax for next several weeks before follow-up with doctors in early May. — Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) March 19, 2016

Hirschfeld played in five games for the Griffins this season with one assist after a call up Dec. 29. He played parts of two previous seasons in Grand Rapids with a career total of two goals and three assists in 25 games.

He played most of the past three seasons with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. In 27 games this season, he had 14 goals and 12 assists.