Scary scenes took place during the game between the Anaheim Ducks and St Louis Blues last night.
In the first period, Blues’ defenceman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench in what was later confirmed as a cardiac episode.
Bouwmeester collapsed at the Blues’ bench after taking a long shift. Medical personnel responded quickly at the bench and treated Bouwmeester before being taken to the hospital.
Blues radio play-by-play announcer Chris Kerber told 101 ESPN Radio station in St Louis that medical personel had “to use the paddles on him”, according to the radio stations website.
Both teams left for the locker rooms and the game was cancelled a couple of minutes later after a conversation between the Ducks, Blues and the NHL.
“I didn’t see anything,” Ducks goaltender John Gibson told The Athletic. “I just saw everybody rushing. Obviously you know it’s something bad.”
St Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong issued a statement late last night, saying Bouwmeester in in stabile condition.
“Jay Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode and collapsed on our bench after completing his shift. 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.”
The game was part of the annual St Louis “dads trip”, with the father of Jay Bouwmeester attending, leaving for UC Irvine along with his son.
After the game, Ducks’ forward Max Jones was seen hugging and comforting Blues player and former teammate Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.
