The Pittsburgh Penguins' team flight returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, October 20, following a medical episode involving forward Ben Kindel.
The 19-year-old was treated aboard the aircraft by team medical personnel before an ambulance took him to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.
The Penguins said Kindel was conscious, alert and in stable condition after the incident.
Team medical staff responded on board
According to the team, physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC and other medical staff were on the plane and attended to Kindel immediately.
Medical responders met the aircraft upon its return to the airport, where Kindel received additional care.
The organization said player welfare and family privacy would guide its response, and that it would share further information when appropriate.
As of Tuesday evening, no additional medical details had been announced.
Members of the Penguins' front office, coaching staff and medical staff planned to remain in Utah with Kindel, according to The Athletic.
The episode occurred as the team traveled after a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night, a game in which Kindel played 18 minutes and 53 seconds.
The Penguins had delayed departure until Tuesday because their next game was scheduled for Thursday night against the Florida Panthers.
Selected 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Kindel made his NHL debut last season and recorded 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points across 86 games.
In nine games this season, he had two goals and two assists, and at 19 he was the youngest player on the Pittsburgh roster.
