Kyle Dubas Provides Update on Ben Kindel Following Medical Emergency on Team Plane

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has provided crucial clarity regarding a concerning medical incident involving young forward Ben Kindel on Tuesday.

As originally reported by The Hockey News’ Kelsey Surmacz, Kindel suffered a vasovagal episode on the team plane as they departed Utah following a matchup against the Mammoth.

He was administered oxygen on the flight and regained consciousness after receiving medical attention from staff on board, prompting the plane to make an emergency landing shortly after.

The 19-year-old was transported to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. After being medically cleared to travel, he returned to Pittsburgh alongside Nick Bonino, Jason Spezza, Richard Rotenberg, and Dr. Dharmesh Vyas.

“You get reminded that there’s more at stake than just the wins and losses,” Dubas said in a statement. “It was important for us to provide the resources needed to make sure [players] are in a good spot… No. 1, take care of our people, and No. 2, make sure they’re in a good spot [to play].”

Penguins' Ben Kindel In Stable Condition Following Medical Episode On Team Flight
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel has been hospitalized after a medical episode on the team plane. The 19-year-old is in stable condition at the University of Utah Hospital.

According to Penguins team reporter Michelle Crechiolo, Kindel has been placed on the injured reserve list and will undergo further testing. The organization is prioritizing his health as they work toward an eventual return to play.

“I think anyone who’s been a part of any episode of that nature, you gain a deep appreciation very quickly for the way that people are trained to handle them,” Dubas later added.

“Our medical staff, plus the Air Canada staff, Dan Muse and (Director of Team Operations) Jason Seidling – just the calm and way that they can handle and restore order very quickly is deeply appreciated.”

Kindel is a first-round pick of the Penguins from the 2025 NHL Draft and has tallied two goals and four points through nine games played this season. Last year, as a rookie, he appeared in 77 games for Pittsburgh, registering 17 goals and 35 points while averaging 15:04 of ice time per game.

The Penguins currently boast a 3-6-1 record, sitting in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division, having lost seven of their last eight games.

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