Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench last night in a game against the Ducks.

The incident happened in the middle of the first period; during a TV timeout, Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench near Vince Dunn and Captain Alex Pietrangelo, who both quickly motioned for medical assistance. In 2014, the NHL instituted a policy that placed two ER doctors at each hockey game and defibrillators near the benches. That change was paramount in Bouwmeester’s medical emergency, as Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong said he had a, “cardiac event,” and 101 ESPN reported that Bouwmeester had paddles used on him.

“The situation happened out of nowhere. I was watching and then I just saw him fall down. It was very scary,” senior Blake Haffer said.

In the same statement, Armstrong said Bouwmeester was, “awake and responsive,” at the hospital, adding onto Darren Pang’s report that he was, “acknowledging medical personnel,” on his ambulance ride to the hospital. 

“Blues fans everywhere were worried. I was constantly refreshing social media to try to hear some good news,” senior Ethan Seymore said. 

Aged 36, Bouwmeester is the oldest player on the Blues, and one of 29 members of the exclusive Triple Gold Club — players who have won a Stanley Cup, World Championship gold medal and an Olympic Games gold medal. His 1,240 career games played leads all active NHL players.

“He isn’t as widely known as some of the other veterans, but he’s as accomplished as an athlete as you can find,” senior Blake Ebner said. 

The Blues will stream a press conference on his status this afternoon at 3:30.