The Pittsburgh Penguins were forced to turn their team plane around on Tuesday due to a medical episode involving Ben Kindel.
The Penguins were departing Salt Lake City en route back to Pittsburgh after taking on the Utah Mammoth on Monday. Shortly after takeoff, however, the plane was forced to return to Salt Lake City so that doctors could tend to Kindel.
“Team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC, as well as the team’s medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Ben,” a statement from the Penguins reads. “An ambulance was waiting upon arrival, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.”
The Penguins also confirmed that Kindel is conscious, alert, and in stable condition. They have no further comment at this time, but will provide further updates when appropriate to do so.
A statement from the Pittsburgh Penguins pic.twitter.com/fyFReh2BWL
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 20, 2026
Kindel, who is just 19, is in his second season with the Penguins. The young centreman, selected 11th overall in 2025, has scored two goals and four points in nine games this season. That comes after a strong rookie campaign in which he had 17 goals and 35 points.
Before kicking off his professional career with the Penguins, Kindel spent two seasons in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen.
In a combined 134 games as a member of the Hitmen, Kindel scored 50 goals and 159 points. His 99 points during the 2024-25 season were second in team scoring, trailing only Oliver Tulk, who led the way with 100.
The good news is that it sounds as though medical professionals were able to help Kindel avoid the worst-case scenario. It could be some time before we learn about a potential return to the ice, though the most important thing at this time is that he is alert and in stable condition.
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