Summary
- Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel, 19, had a medical episode on the team plane after it left Salt Lake City on Tuesday.
- The plane turned back and an ambulance took him to University of Utah Hospital for evaluation.
- The team says he is conscious, alert and in stable condition; the cause has not been disclosed.
- The Penguins say they will provide further updates when appropriate.
What happened
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was taken to a hospital in Salt Lake City on Tuesday after a medical episode aboard the team's plane, according to NHL.com and Pro Hockey Rumors. The aircraft returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff, and an ambulance was waiting when it landed. [1] [2]
A UPMC team physician and the Penguins' medical staff were on the plane and treated Kindel right away, NHL.com reported. He was taken to University of Utah Hospital for evaluation. The exact time of the incident has not been published in the reports reviewed. [1] [2] [3]
Team statement and current condition
In a statement, the Penguins said Kindel is "conscious, alert and in stable condition," as quoted by NHL.com. The team said it would share more information "when appropriate." Pro Hockey Rumors reported that the statement also stressed player health and safety and the privacy of players' families. [1] [2]
The team has not said what caused the episode or how long Kindel may be out of the lineup. Pro Hockey Rumors declined to speculate on the cause, and 93.7 The Fan likewise reported that the Penguins gave no specifics. Those details remain unknown. [2] [3]
Game and season context
The Penguins had played the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 19, according to NHL.com, which carried a separate report that Utah held off a late Pittsburgh push in the third period. The team's next game is Thursday against the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, per NHL.com. [1]
Kindel was selected 11th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2025 NHL Draft and is in his second season with the club, Pro Hockey Rumors reported. As a rookie he scored 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games and finished ninth in Calder Trophy voting. This season he has two goals and two assists in nine games, according to 93.7 The Fan, and has moved into a firmer top-six role, Pro Hockey Rumors said. [2] [3]
What comes next
The only confirmed update so far is the team's description of Kindel's condition. Whether he remains in Salt Lake City, travels home or is available Thursday has not been announced. Pro Hockey Rumors said it would update its report as more information emerges. [1] [2] [3]
Reporting sources
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