A very scary scene unfolded in Anaheim on Tuesday evening at Honda Center as St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench.
The incident occured with 7:50 remaining in the first period of the game between the Blues and Ducks. Video from the Anaheim Ducks’ broadcast, FOX Sports San Diego, shows Bouwmeesters collapsing on the bench and teammates Alex Pietrangelo, Vince Dunn and Jake Allen urgently signalling for help.
Jay Bouwmeester collapses on the Blues bench. Game has been delayed pic.twitter.com/wOJkAFANCT
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 12, 2020
The game was stopped and both teams were sent to their respective dressing rooms. Bouwmeester was helped off on a stretcher. At the time, the NHL officially said the game was being “delayed”.
The NHL then officially announced that the game between the Ducks and Blues would be postponed and made up at a later date due to a medical emergency.
“Tonight’s game between the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks has been postponed by the NHL due to a medical emergency that occurred at 12:10 of the first period involving defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. A decision on when the game will be played will be made in the near future,” the NHL said in a statement.
Due to the medical emergency involving Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, tonight’s game has been postponed and will be made up at a later date. #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 12, 2020
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
Blues’ analyst Darren Pang then provided a live update on the St. Louis broadcast, saying Bouwmeester was alert and responsive as he was being taken to the hospital. Pang also reported that a defibrillator was “close by” and that both team’s trainers had responded immediately. It was the first game of the Blues’ “Dads Trip”, so Jay Bouwmeester’s dad was able to be with him at the hospital.
You can watch Pang’s full report below.
Darren Pang: "I haven't heard an official word. … The coaching staff, they've all walked by saying 'We're not going back on the ice to play this game.'" #stlblues pic.twitter.com/ZbY01YZUPW
— FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) February 12, 2020
An incredible photo shows Ducks forward Max Jones coming over to comfort a Blues player after both teams were sent to their dressing rooms and Bouwmeester was en route to hospital.
Here’s a picture tonight from the @AP after Jay Bouwmeester was taken to an ambulance after collapsing on the bench. A Ducks player coming over to comfort the #STLBlues pic.twitter.com/raTPmLDD96
— Corey Miller (@corey_miller5) February 12, 2020
UPDATE: The St. Louis Blues have issued an official statement about the condition of Jay Bouwmeester.
“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. 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.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay Bouwmeester and his family tonight.