There was a scary moment in the NHL’s late game last night.
During the first period of a game between the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks, defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the Blues bench shortly after coming off the ice.
Jay Bouwmeester collapses on the Blues bench. Game has been delayed pic.twitter.com/wOJkAFANCT
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 12, 2020
There was immediate panic among Bouwmeester’s teammates, who quickly called the arena’s medical staff over to help the NHL veteran of 1240 games.
“With 7:50 remaining in the first period of our game tonight, Jay Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode and collapsed on our bench after completing his shift,” said Blues GM Doug Armstrong.
“Thankfully, with the quick response of our medical trainers, Anaheim medical trainers and their team physicians, they were able to stabilize Jay.”
Unsurprisingly, the game was postponed and will be completed at a later date.
Doug Armstrong has issued a statement about the condition of Jay Bouwmeester. https://t.co/Kdmo2YAZnP #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 12, 2020
Well-wishes immediately started to flood in through various social media channels for a player who many consider one of the best people in the game.
“Won’t find a player in the league more respected than veteran Jay Bouwmeester,” tweeted Blues rinkside reporter Andy Strickland. “Thoughts with him and his family.”
Every other NHL club tweeted their best wishes to Bouwmeester, as did many teams from other leagues, other players and an abundance of fans.
Armstrong will provide an update on the situation this afternoon from Las Vegas, where the Blues are supposed to play the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night.
