A Pittsburgh Penguins team flight made an unexpected return to Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday afternoon after 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel experienced a medical episode during flight.
Kindel was conscious and alert when the aircraft landed. Team medical staff, including physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC, attended to him on board before an ambulance transported him to University of Utah Hospital for evaluation. According to a statement released by the Penguins, Kindel remains in stable condition.
"The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority," the Penguins said. "The team will provide further updates when appropriate."
The incident occurred as the Penguins were en route from Salt Lake City, where they had played the Utah Hockey Club on Monday evening, losing 5-4. Members of the front office and coaching staff remained in Utah with Kindel following his hospitalization.
Kindel was selected 11th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2025 NHL Draft. In his rookie campaign, he appeared in 86 games, tallying 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points. This season, he has registered two goals and two assists through nine games.
The 19-year-old is the youngest player on the Penguins roster. In Monday's matchup against Utah, he logged 18 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time.
The Penguins' next scheduled game is Thursday. The franchise has not provided specific details about the nature of the medical episode, citing privacy considerations for both the player and his family.
