By now, I assume most of our readers have seen the shocking video of St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsing on the bench last night in Anaheim. It was a terrifying ordeal for both benches and there was a lot of concern for Bouwmeester's wellbeing, which ultimately led to the decision to postpone the game.
Blues GM Doug Armstrong held a press conference in Vegas on Wednesday to update everyone on Bouwmeester's condition and, much to everyone's relief, the update was a positive one.
"Jay Bouwmeester is doing very well at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Anaheim and is undergoing a battery of tests to determine the how and why of what happened last night," Armstrong said. "Things are looking very positive."
Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode, during which, his heart had stopped, leaving the veteran defenseman motionless and unresponsive. Medical staff rushed Bouwmeester to the back and began working on him.
"Medical personnel used a defibrillator to revive him. He regained consciousness immediately and was transferred to the UC Irvine Medical Center," Armstrong said.
Many of Bouwmeester's teammates were encouraged by the fact that he regained consciousness and was able to communicate before being brought to the hospital for further observation and testing. Captain Alex Pietrangelo was among those who felt the biggest relief, having been able to speak with his long-time friend last night.
"It made everybody feel a lot better knowing he was in good hands," Pietrangelo said. "He was in good spirits last night with us, typical Jay, so I think it certainly made us all feel a lot better today knowing we had the opportunity to talk to him."
The game has yet to be rescheduled, but will reportedly be a full 60-minute affair when the game takes place. The score to start the game will be 1-1, with all previously recorded stats from last night's contest being carried over.
The Blues will get back to business on Thursday night when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Knowing that Jay Bo is in good hands and under the watchful eyes of medical professionals in Anaheim - and with his father at his bedside - the Blues will focus on trying to win one for their brother.
From everyone at the Trade Rumours team, I would like to send our sincerest well wishes to Jay, his family and the entire St. Louis Blues organization while he recovers from this incredibly scary ordeal.
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