Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the Blues bench during their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. The “cardiac episode” occurred during a TV timeout in the first period as Bouwmeester went for some water.
Blues players immediately waved over for a trainer to attend to their slumped-over teammate. The quick action may have saved Jay’s life.
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According to a report from Fox News, St. Louis radio announcer Chris Kerber said a defibrillator was used. After Bouwmeester was stabilized, he was immediately taken to a hospital.
Update from @chriskerber now on @101espn.
– His dad is with him at the hospital
– They did have to use the paddles on him
– He was responsive before they took him off to the hospital#stlblues— Alex Ferrario (@Ferrario101ESPN) February 12, 2020
Both teams crowded around the Blues bench before retreating to their respective locker rooms.
Jay Bouwmeester collapses on the Blues bench. Game has been delayed pic.twitter.com/wOJkAFANCT
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 12, 2020
“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,” general manager Doug Armstrong said in a press release on the Blues’ website. “Thankfully, with the quick response of our medical trainers, Anaheim medical trainers, and their team physicians, they were able to stabilize Jay. He was alert and moving all of his extremities as he was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center. Currently, Jay is conscious and alert as he undergoes further testing by Anaheim’s physicians. We will update Jay’s condition on Wednesday morning.”
Update on Bouwmeester via the @FSMidwest broadcast:pic.twitter.com/8bRa684TN7
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) February 12, 2020
The Ducks and Blues mutually agreed to postpone the game.
Due to the medical emergency involving Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, tonight’s game will be postponed and made up at a later date. The Ducks and Blues thank you for your understanding.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) February 12, 2020
The 36-year-old Bouwmeester has played 17 seasons in the NHL. He won his first Stanley Cup with the Blues last season and a gold medal with Canada in 2014.
