Penguins’ Ben Kindel back in Pittsburgh after medical episode on plane in Utah

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel has returned to Pittsburgh and was cleared after suffering a medical episode on a team flight from Salt Lake City. General Manager Kyle Dubas reported that the 19-year-old center experienced vasovagal syncope, involving a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which prompted the aircraft to return to Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday. Kindel received oxygen aboard before being taken to the University of Utah medical centre.

Kindel was placed on injured reserve, but Dubas indicated that the forward could return to practice as early as Sunday or Monday if additional testing shows no complications. Team physician Dr. Darmesh Vyas was traveling on the flight and attended to him immediately alongside team staff. In nine games this season, Kindel has recorded two goals and two assists for the Penguins.