The Blues game on Tuesday night in Anaheim was postponed after defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench during the first period.
In a statement released by the Blues, President of Hockey Operations Doug Armstrong said Bouwmeester suffered a “cardiac episode” after returning to the bench following a shift on the ice.
“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.”
This was the annual “Dad’s trip” for the Blues and Bouwmeester’s dad Dan was on the trip and accompanied his son to the hospital.
Bouwmeester was on the bench when he collapsed with 7:50 left in the first period. Teammates Vince Dunn and Alex Pietrangelo immediately began yelling that for the team’s medical personnel. Play was stopped at the time.
He had been on the ice for six shifts, a total of 5:34 seconds, before he collapsed. He had just finished a long shift with no apparent incidents.
Bouwmeester, 36, has played in the NHL for 17 seasons, the last seven with the Blues, and has played in 1,240 games in his career.
There was no immediate announcement on when the game will be rescheduled. The Blues were scheduled to fly to Las Vegas following the game against the Ducks but instead will not leave Anaheim until Wednesday in advance of Thursday night’s game.
Photo by AP courtesy of KSDK Sports
