Rich Peverley collapses on Stars bench, conscious when taken to hospital

Dallas Stars center Rich Peverley collapsed on his team's bench during the first period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, a situation that resulted in the NHL postponing the game.

The Stars announced that Peverley is being treated at a local hospital and was conscious at the time. According to a league statement, he is in stable condition. The NHL will make a decision about the remainder of the game at a later date.

Stars team doctor Gil Salazar said they successfully treated Peverley for a cardiac event, and that Peverley was aware of where he was when he became conscious and wanted to return to the game. He even asked coach Lindy Ruff for an update on the game.

Rich asked Ruff how much time left in the first period after coming to.

— DefendingBigD (@DefendingBigD) March 11, 2014

Peverley will undergo extensive tests over the next two days and the Stars will offer an update as soon as they learn more.

With the puck in the Columbus zone just seven minutes into the game, and shortly after one of Peverley's shifts, there was a commotion around the Stars bench as players attempted to get the attention of emergency personnel and the referees. Peverley had to be removed from the bench area on a stretcher.

After several minutes, both teams, as well as the officials, returned to their locker rooms.

Back in September, Peverley had a procedure to repair an irregular heartbeat, an issue that also kept him out of the game in Columbus last Tuesday after he did not feel right following the Stars' game on Monday.

The Stars acquired Peverley over the summer, along with Tyler Seguin, in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Bruins. He has appeared in 62 games this season, scoring seven goals to go with 23 assists.