The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Tuesday that forward Ben Kindel has been hospitalized following a medical episode on the team’s flight from Salt Lake City after a game with the Utah Mammoth.
The team says the club physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, was onboard the the flight and immediately attended to the player. The plane turned around after the episode and an ambulance was awaiting the flight upon its arrival. Kindel was then transported to University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.
Kindel is conscious, alert and an in stable condition, the Penguins said in a statement.
Kindel, 19, is in his second NHL season. Taken with the 11th overall selection of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Coquitlam, BC native has two goals and two assists in nine games this season.
The team is scheduled to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday.