mymotherlode
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was undergoing evaluation at a Salt Lake City hospital on Tuesday following a medical emergency that occurred on the team's return flight from a four-game road trip.
The Penguins organization announced that Kindel, 19, experienced an unspecified medical issue shortly after the team's aircraft departed from Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday. The plane subsequently returned to the airport while the team's medical personnel attended to Kindel on board.
Kindel was transported by ambulance to the University of Utah hospital. According to the team, he was conscious, alert, and in stable condition.
In his second season with Pittsburgh after being chosen with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Kindel has recorded two goals and two assists across nine games. He logged 18 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time in a 5-4 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night.
Key Analysis
The incident raises concerns about in-flight medical emergencies involving professional athletes, though the team's swift response and Kindel's reported stability offer some reassurance. The young forward's health will remain a priority as the Penguins continue their season.
Originally reported by mymotherlode.