Pittsburgh Penguins player Ben Kindel, a 19-year-old forward from Coquitlam, B.C., was hospitalized in Salt Lake City for a medical emergency during the team’s return flight from a four-game trip. The incident occurred shortly after the team’s departure from Salt Lake City airport on Tuesday. The plane turned back, and Kindel received immediate medical attention from the team’s staff while en route. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to the University of Utah hospital.
According to the team, Kindel was conscious, responsive, and in stable condition. The young player, drafted 11th overall in 2025, is currently in his second season with the Penguins, having contributed two goals and two assists in nine games. Notably, he played nearly 19 minutes in a recent game against Utah, which the team lost 5-4.
