St. Louis Blues’ Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester Alert & Consious After Cardiac Episode On Bench

St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is conscious and alert after being taken to the hospital during Tuesday’s game. He suffered a cardiac episode on the bench, but the team said he is responsive.

“Thankfully, with the quick response of our medical trainers, Anaheim medical trainers and their team physicians, they were able to stabilize Jay,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement.

Bouwmeester, 36, had completed a 1-minute, 20-second shift and did not appear to have taken any big hits or contact to his head. After returning to the bench, he slumped over and collapsed.

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As teammates shouted for attention, trainers rushed over to assess the situation. The game was postponed with 7:50 left in the first period and will be made up at a later date. The game was tied at 1.

After the game was called, players from both sides met for well wishes after unchanging.

Bouwmeester is in his 17th NHL season and ranks second among active defensemen with 1,241 career games. He trails only Zdeno Chara, who is at 1,540 games.

Drafted third in 2002 NHL draft by The Florida Panthers, he then played in Calgary before moving to the Blues in the 2012-13 season. He was part of the franchise’s first Stanley Cup-winning team last season.

The NHL has strict rules to aid in situations like these. Two doctors must be in attendance for every game, and one must be within 50 feet of the bench. A defibrillator must be available, as well as a triage room and ambulances.

Article by Austin Letorney