Penguins plane returns to Salt Lake City after Ben Kindel medical episode

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ plane returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, October 20, after 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel experienced a medical episode aboard, the team said. An ambulance took him to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Pittsburgh described Kindel as conscious, alert and in stable condition.

Team medical staff attended to Kindel immediately on the plane, according to the Penguins’ statement reported by NHL.com. The team did not disclose the cause of the episode or a diagnosis. Its description of his condition was the update it provided after the plane landed and Kindel was taken to hospital.

Penguins’ update on Ben Kindel

NHL.com identified team physician Dr. Dharmest Vyas as among the medical personnel who attended to Kindel. Deseret News also reported that an ambulance was waiting when the aircraft returned and that Kindel was transported to the University of Utah Hospital after landing.

Kindel played against Utah the night before

The flight followed Pittsburgh’s game against the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, October 19. The Penguins lost 5-4. Deseret News reported that Kindel played 18 minutes and 53 seconds and nearly scored a tying goal late in the game, but Utah goaltender Sebastian Cossa made the save.

Kindel is in his second NHL season, according to Deseret News. The outlet reported that the Coquitlam, British Columbia, native had recorded 19 goals and 39 points in 86 NHL games. Those figures describe his career through the time of the report; the club’s medical statement addressed his condition after Tuesday’s flight.

Pittsburgh is scheduled to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday, October 22, at PPG Paints Arena, according to NHL.com. The Penguins had not said whether the plane’s return would affect that game or whether Kindel would be available to play.