Ben Kindel Hospitalized After Emergency on Penguins Flight

Medical emergency forces plane to return

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was evaluated at a Salt Lake City hospital on Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency during the team flight home. The Penguins were traveling back to Pittsburgh following the end of a four game road trip.

Kindel experienced an unspecified medical problem shortly after the airplane took off from the Salt Lake City airport on Tuesday. As soon as the issue began, the aircraft turned around and returned to the airport. Pittsburgh medical staff attended to the 19 year old forward while he remained on board during the flight.

Hospital evaluation and season background

Once the plane landed back at the airport, an ambulance transported Kindel directly to the University of Utah hospital. The Penguins later reported that Kindel was conscious, alert, and stable while undergoing care.

The young forward was selected by Pittsburgh with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft. He is currently skating in his second season with the team, collecting two goals and two assists across nine games this year.

Kindel had played regular minutes the evening before the flight. He logged 18 minutes, 53 seconds of ice time during Pittsburgh's 5-4 loss against Utah on Monday night.

What it means for the next game

The Penguins now prepare to head back onto the ice for their upcoming home schedule.

Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, Thu, 22 Oct): Pittsburgh Penguins win 57%, Florida Panthers win 43%; projected score Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Florida Panthers 3. Our safest pick: Under 9 goals.

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