Penguins star teenager Ben Kindel has medical episode during team flight, taken to hospital

The Pittsburgh Penguins turned their team plane back to Salt Lake City after 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel had a medical episode shortly after take-off. He was treated on board, taken by ambulance to hospital for further evaluation and was reported conscious, alert and in stable condition.

The team doctor and medical staff were on the flight and attended to Kindel; the club said it would provide updates when appropriate. The incident followed Pittsburgh’s 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday, with the team due to play again on Thursday. The 2025 draft’s 11th pick has two goals and two assists in nine games this season; last season he recorded 39 points in 86 games.