Penguins’ Ben Kindel Hospitalized After In‑Flight Medical Episode

Penguins’ 19‑year‑old center Ben Kindel was hospitalized after suffering a medical episode on the team’s charter flight from Salt Lake City.

What Happened

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday. Team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, who was on board, attended to Kindel as the plane made an emergency landing back at the Salt Lake airport. An ambulance waited at the terminal and took the 19‑year‑old to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Kindel, who played 18 minutes and 53 seconds in Monday’s game against the Utah Mammoth and recorded one shot, was reported conscious, alert and in stable condition.

Response

The Penguins confirmed that General Manager Kyle Dubas and Assistant General Manager Jason Spezza were also on the flight and remain in Utah with Kindel. The team’s medical staff stayed with him through the night. The organization said the health and safety of its players and the privacy of their families are top priorities and promised updates when appropriate. The squad, scheduled to practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry on Wednesday, will travel back to Pittsburgh for a Thursday game against the Florida Panthers.

Context

Chartered flights are standard for NHL teams, and medical staff travel with the roster to handle emergencies. Prompt on‑board care and quick transport to a nearby hospital are typical procedures to protect player health.