Ice hockey star Jay Bouwmeester 'conscious and alert' after suffering cardiac issue during NHL fixture (VIDEO)

St. Louis Blues defenceman Jay Bouwmeester is recovering in a California hospital after suffering a cardiac issue on the bench during his team's fixture with the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old Canadian collapsed on the bench after coming off the ice with around seven minutes remaining in the first period. It prompted significant fears in the arena for the player's wellbeing, with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong later telling the media that the player was "alert".

"Thankfully, with the quick response of our medical trainers, Anaheim medical trainers and their team physicians, they were able to stabilize Jay," he said.

"He was alert and moving all of his extremities as he was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center. Currently, Jay is conscious and alert as he undergoes further testing by Anaheim's physicians. We will update Jay's condition on Wednesday morning."

There was significant concern for Bouwmeester following his collapse, with several of his teammates immediately telling officials that immediate medical treatment was required. When the medics arrived, members of his team lifted the bench out of the way to allow easy access to the player for treatment.

Bouwmeester was a key player in the Blues' Stanley Cup triumph last season. He captured Winter Olympic gold with Canada in Sochi in 2014, and is a two-time world champion.

The veteran player is currently in his 17th season as a professional and has played more than 1,200 games in a career that has also seen him represent the Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames.

Bouwmeester’s father, Dan, was present in the arena at the time of the incident and is understood to have accompanied his son to the hospital.

The game was postponed following the incident and will be rescheduled for a later date.