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Blues' Jay Bouwmeester collapses on bench, game postponed

Jay Bouwmeester #19 of the St. Louis Blues keeps an eye on the play during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on February 1, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Blues 5-2.

It was a terrifying scene in Anaheim on Tuesday night, as play was suspended after St. Louis Blues defenceman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench during a stoppage in their game against the Ducks and required immediate medical attention.

Replays appeared to show the veteran Bouwmeester collapse at the end of the Blues’ bench after a whistle. Players immediately called for assistance from medical staff and Bouwmeester was taken into the dressing room. The game was delayed while personnel tended to him, and both teams left the ice out of respect for the severity of the incident.

Both teams announced shortly after that the game would be postponed and will be made up at a later date. The score was tied 1-1 with 7:50 left in the first period at the time of the postponement.

The Blues released a statement on Tuesday night saying that Bouwmeester “suffered a cardiac episode.”

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

The 36-year-old defenceman is in his 17th NHL season, and once held an iron man streak of 737 consecutive games played.

We will have updates on this situation as they are made available.

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