Penguins make sudden decision following Ben Kindel's medical emergency on airplane
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Penguins canceled Wednesday's mandatory practice after Ben Kindel's medical episode on the team flight, and with no media availability, no update is expected.
The Pittsburgh Penguins hit pause on everything Wednesday.
After a frightening night involving Ben Kindel and the travel mess that followed, the team canceled its mandatory practice and workouts, which also means no media availability for the day.
It all started Tuesday, when the team plane turned around shortly after leaving Salt Lake City.
The Penguins said Kindel, 19, had a medical episode on board, and team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas and the medical staff attended to him right away.
An ambulance met the plane when it landed and took him to University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.
The team described him as conscious, alert and in stable condition.
Seth Rorabaugh passed along the news about the canceled skate on X.
What the cancellation means
With no practice and no reporters in the room, there likely won't be any fresh word on Kindel or any other player today.
That's a big deal for a group that just wrapped up a rough four-game road trip without a win.
Monday's loss to the Utah Mammoth was the fourth straight defeat, so a day off the ice probably made sense for everyone involved.
Kindel, who is in his second NHL season, has two goals and four points through nine games this year.
He played just under 19 minutes against Utah the night before everything unfolded.
Looking ahead to Thursday
The Penguins are back home Thursday to host the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena.
According to Pittsburgh Hockey Now, general manager Kyle Dubas will speak with reporters before the morning skate, and that should be the first real chance to hear where things stand with Kindel.
Until then, the focus stays where it belongs, on a 19-year-old's health.
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