St. Louis Blues: NHL Community Rallies In Blues Dark Hour

The St. Louis Blues went into Anaheim looking only for a victory. They left knowing how much the rest of the sports and hockey community cares.

When the St. Louis Blues took to the ice at the Honda Center on February 11, 2020, few could have expected what was to come. Blues fans settled into their seats, if they were there in person, or their couches or recliners for a road game, hoping the Blues offense would get going.

As we know, things didn’t start off too well with the Ducks scoring the first goal. However, despite tying the game, hockey quickly became the least of anyone’s worry.

Jay Bouwmeester apparently had a cardiac episode. We still don’t fully know what that means or what caused it.

What we do know is that Bouwmeester became unresponsive on the bench. Blues trainer Ray Barile and the Ducks medical staff resuscitated the 36 year old defender and he was taken to the UC Irvine Hospital and given several tests.

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Whether they do not yet know the cause or are just keeping it private is anyone’s guess. Quite frankly, as much as we might want to know the cause, it is none of our business. We will know when the time is right.

What was wonderful to see was the community coming together. St. Louis banded together in support of Bouwmeester and the hockey community did as well.

Say what you will about the quality of football or the team of the St. Louis Battlehawks. You cannot say they are not aware of what is going on in their back yard after their coach gave his thoughts and sentiments before anyone even had a chance to ask.

Beyond just coach Hayes, there were dozens of responses from around the entire NHL giving well wishes and support for one of their own, even if Bouwmeester never slipped on their uniform.

Of course, those were only a few examples of the outpouring of support that came from across the league. Even Daniel and Henrik Sedin mentioned the Bouwmeester family and their support during their jersey retirement ceremony in Vancouver.

What is so fantastic about seeing this stuff, even though it comes out during a moment we all wish never happened, is how people can put aside their differences and focus on what really matters.

These guys battle it out in sporting competition night in and night out. Fans and players alike develop strong feelings for and against players, sometimes to the border of hatred.

We all let our emotions get the best of us. Guys go to extreme lengths to defeat their opponent, all in the name of winning the Stanley Cup.

However, in moments like these, they all become one. Instead of separate factions in conflict, the hockey community joins as one with a unanimous voice.

Even players that were going against one another just moments prior quickly focused on what was really important. The game was quickly forgotten and Ducks players were there to support their brothers in blue.

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photo credit – Mark Terrill, AP

In the end, we don’t know how this situation will turn out. In a perfect world, Bouwmeester would be able to return once his stint on injured reserve ends and he would help the Blues in their quest for another Stanley Cup.

However, hockey is the last thing on anyone’s mind as far as this goes. If Bouwmeester never plays another hockey game, but lives a happy and healthy life, that would be just as good as anything.

Thankfully, Bouwmeester has more than just his own family to lean on. As much as sports separates us into factions and fandoms, it also brings us all together. JayBo has family that is bigger than just blood.