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Penguins forward Ben Kindel stable after medical emergency on team flight
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was hospitalized after a medical emergency on the team plane on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old was flying home from a four-game trip when the plane returned to Salt Lake City shortly after takeoff.
The team's medical staff treated him on board, and an ambulance took him to the University of Utah hospital for further evaluation.
The Penguins said Kindel was conscious, alert and stable.
The cause of the medical episode has not been made public, and the team said it would provide updates when appropriate.
Kindel is in his second season with Pittsburgh, which selected him 11th overall in the 2025 draft.
The Penguins are scheduled to play the Florida Panthers in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was hospitalized in Utah after a medical emergency on the team’s flight home.
The plane returned to Salt Lake City shortly after takeoff on Tuesday.
Team medical staff treated the 19-year-old on board, and an ambulance took him to the University of Utah Hospital.
The Penguins said Kindel was conscious, alert and in stable condition.
- Who
- Ben Kindel, a 19-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins forward.
- What
- He was hospitalized after an unspecified medical emergency on the team flight.
- When
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
- Where
- The flight returned to Salt Lake City; Kindel was taken to the University of Utah Hospital.
- Why
- The team said he had an unspecified medical issue shortly after takeoff.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kindel played 18 minutes, 53 seconds in Pittsburgh’s 5-4 loss to Utah.
The Penguins’ plane returned to Salt Lake City after Kindel had a medical emergency.
Team medical staff had treated Kindel on board, and an ambulance took him to the University of Utah Hospital.
- Age
- 19
- Team
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Hospital
- University of Utah Hospital
- Draft selection
- 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft
- Season statistics
- Two goals and two assists in nine games
6 sources
Hockey star Ben Kindel, 19, rushed to the hospital after suffering mystery medical emergency on team flight
Penguins F Kindel hospitalized in Utah after having medical emergency on team flight
Kindel conscious, stable after medical episode on Penguins plane
Penguins' Ben Kindel in stable condition after suffering medical episode on plane
Pens' Kindel hospitalized after medical emergency on flight
Penguins' Ben Kindel stable at Utah hospital after medical emergency on team flight
What people are saying
Ben is conscious, alert and in stable condition.
The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority.
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A statement from the Pittsburgh Penguins