Scary Incident On The Ice

I was preparing a story all about the Winnipeg Jets and how they seem to play up or down to their competition, but a more serious incident overrides any sort of opinion piece I am writing. We've seen serious moments in the game surrounding the health of players in the past, but tonight's incident was scary considering the context. St. Louis Blues defender Jay Bouwmeester had just finished his shift on the ice when he returned to the bench and collapsed beside teammate Vince Dunn. It's at this point where I held my breath.

Jay Bouwmeester is a 17-year veteran of the NHL who has been the epitome of the word "professional" since he was drafted third-overall in 2002 by the Florida Panthers. He's a two-time NHL All-Star, he's an Olympic gold medalist, he's a Stanley Cup champion, and, for a few tense moments in Anaheim tonight, it appeared that Jay Bouwmeester's life was in serious peril tonight in Anaheim.

Here's the video of Bouwmeester collapsing on the bench.

Wow. Here’s the video of Bouwmeester fainting on the bench.. wishing him the best. #STLBlues pic.twitter.com/hCVP0IcyJC

— STLSportsCentral (@stlsportscntrl) February 12, 2020

Thanks to the quick actions and reactions of the St. Louis Blues' trainers and the Anaheim Ducks' full training staff, Jay Bouwmeester was reportedly conscious and responsive when paramedics got him into the ambulance for transport to UC-Irvine Hospital for a full examination and treatment. The trainers and/or paramedics reportedly did use the defibrillator on Bouwmeester, but it's pretty clear that the training staffs from both teams deserve a ton of credit in preventing any catastrophe tonight with the speed of their reaction, the quick thinking they employed, and the teamwork they showed when it came to saving Bouwmeester's life.

Immediately, the first thing that goes through one's mind when seeing this are Rich Peverley and Jiri Fischer whose careers were ended after they collapsed during NHL games, and this is something that will likely weigh on Jay Bouwmeester's mind. There's a lot that he's accomplished in the game already, so stepping away from the game in order to protect his health will be an option for him if and when he recovers from whatever caused this incident. My hope is that Bouwmeester, who has a wife and three children, will put health and family ahead of stretching out an already-impressive career for one last chance at glory.

As for the game, the Ducks and Blues agreed to postpone it with the game being made up at a future date. Honestly, this is the only decision that makes sense after seeing Bouwmeester fall tonight, and I'm glad that the teams put the health and safety of Bouwmeester ahead of a meaningless game in February.

Get well soon, Jay Bouwmeester. My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

**UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY: In the press conference held by St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, Armstrong confirmed that Bouwmeester suffered cardiac arrest last night. While his prognosis is good for a full recovery, the doctors and medical staff as UC-Irvine Medical Center are holding him for testing and observation. This is very good news for Jay Bouwmeester, and I'm glad to hear he's doing well after a very scary situation.**