Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was hospitalized Tuesday in Salt Lake City after experiencing what was termed a “medical episode,” according to a statement issued by the team.
The nature or severity of Kindel’s ailment was not disclosed.
The Penguins were traveling home Tuesday following a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night. Per the statement, the team’s plane returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff, and team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, along with other team medical staffers onboard, attended to Kindel.
Kindel was transferred to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. According to the statement, Kindel is “conscious, alert and in stable condition.”
No further details as to Kindel’s status were provided. Citing concerns for privacy, “the team will provide further updates when appropriate,” the statement read.
Via e-mail, Kindel’s agent, Ross Gurney, indicated Kindel was still undergoing further evaluation in Utah as of Tuesday evening.
One of the organization’s most prized young players, the 19-year-old Kindel is in his second NHL season. A first-round draft pick (No. 11 overall) in 2025, Kindel somewhat unexpectedly made the roster out of training camp last season, became a lineup regular immediately and posted 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games as a rookie.
He has appeared in nine games this season and has four points (two goals, two assists) while averaging 17 minutes, 19 seconds of ice time per contest, primarily as the team’s third-line center.
Kindel completed Monday’s game with no evident impairment. In fact, he was denied of a potential tying goal by Mammoth goaltender Sebastian Cossa, who stopped a wrister by Kindel near the crease with 5 seconds remaining in regulation.
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The Penguins are scheduled to practice at noon Wednesday in Cranberry.