Tuesday night February 11th in Anaheim, St Louis, Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester collapsed after a shift. 

The St Louis Blues were set to play the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim. It was just like any regular season game until something shocking and horrifying took place. After taking a longer than average shift, St Louis defensemen Jay Bouwmeester collapsed when he got back to the bench. Bouwmeester needed a defibrillator to be revived. The game was postponed soon after the tragedy occurred. 

Thankfully the Anaheim and Blues Medical trainers were nearby and quick to revive the fallen defenseman; if they were not there then who knows what could have occured. Defibrillators are also required to be present at each game. 

Oakdale High School Junior and huge hockey fan Will Boughn described the incident as “Heartbreaking to not just hockey fans but everyone.” 

Boughn then went on to say, “I hope Bouwmeester has the chance to play hockey again without being at risk.” 

Blues Captain Alex Pietrangelo mentioned how several players went to visit him in the hospital that night. These players worry not just if Bouwmeester will be able to play hockey again soon, but if his health is ok in general. The real fear is the chance of this happening again. 

In attendance at the game Tuesday was Boumeesters father; the Blues had their annual fathers road trip. Boumeesters father had the opportunity to be with his son right away instead of being across the country. 

Oakdale High School Senior Zach Werner shared his opinions on how the incident should be handled: “If he’s having no heart issues for around a month I believe he should be able to play again, however if he feels or notices anything is off at his veteran age of thirty six he should just call it quits.” 

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time an incident like this has occurred in the NHL. The most recent incident occured in 2014 when the Dallas Stars forward Rich Peverly had an irregular heartbeat and collapsed on the bench. Emergency Officials nearby treated Peverly and he was 100% healthy soon after. 

Before the  next game Thursday, against The Vegas Golden Knights, the Knights presented to their arena, a banner in which fans signed to send their well wishes to the Blues defensemen. 

Sports are very competitive and exciting to watch, but as incidents like these occur everyone needs to unite as one and realize the more serious subject at hand. The St Louis Blues and the whole NHL handled this situation with class.