Dylan Holloway returns and explains to fans and media exactly what happened last night

UPDATE 3: Holloway has been released from the hospital and met with the media this morning to explain what exactly happened last night.

Holloway explains that he was struck in his vagus nerve in the neck and that he essentially blacked out once he got to his team's bench. 

"As soon as the puck hit my neck, I knew something was a little off. As soon as I started skating I felt a little lightheaded a bit and then when I was going to the bench it kind of felt like when you stand up too fast and you get that head rush. It felt like that but it kind of just kept coming on."

Check it out:

And here's the damage:

Read below for our earlier reports on this developing story.

UPDATE 2: St. Louis Blues coach Drew Bannister has informed fans and media that forward Dylan Holloway is in stable condition and that he'll be okay. The official report from Bannister is that Holloway is 'doing well.'

From the Blues:

Read below for our earlier reports on this developing story.

UPDATE: The Blues have announced that Holloway is awake and in stable condition en route to a hospital for further medical evaluation.

From the Blues:

Dylan Holloway left Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period and did not return.

Holloway appeared to be hit with a shot up high late in the first period. He finished his shift but was attended to on the bench by team medical personnel. Officials ended the first period with 1:11 left and added the time onto the start of the second period.

Holloway was transported to the hospital for continued monitoring and was alert and in stable condition.

A further update from NHL insider Frank Seravalli:

St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway was transported to a local hospital via ambulance on Tuesday for testing and observation after a deflected puck hit him in the throat area, requiring immediate medical treatment which also temporarily halted the Blues’ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sources told Daily Faceoff doctors indicated Holloway “will be OK” and that his airway was clear and unobstructed, and he was breathing without trouble.

The same sources said Holloway was scheduled for a precautionary scan at the hospital to examine the area. Holloway’s parents, who were in town in St. Louis attending the game, joined him at the hospital.

- Frank Seravalli

Read below for our earlier report on this developing story, published as events occurred.

St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway is en route to hospital after a terrifying scene in St. Louis this evening.

Holloway blocked a shot in the throat area and, at first, he appeared to be just shaken up. He made his way to the Blues' bench but then collapsed on the bench and had to be held up by teammates. He has since been taken to hospital by medical staff and the on-ice officials delayed the game in order to get Holloway immediate help. The period was called with just over a minute left in play, which will be added to the 2nd period.

Here's the entire sequence:

Prayers up for the young forward.