The Pittsburgh Penguins pulled the plug on their scheduled mandatory practice and workout Wednesday after the events and travel delays tied to Ben Kindel’s medical episode in Utah.
What had been set as a regular team day instead became an optional skate as the organization continued to deal with the aftermath of Tuesday night. Kindel, 19, suffered what the team called a “medical episode” shortly after the team plane left Salt Lake City International Airport.
Team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas and the Penguins’ medical staff responded immediately, and the flight was forced to make an emergency landing back at Salt Lake City International, where an ambulance was waiting to take Kindel to nearby University of Utah Hospital.
The Penguins said Tuesday that Kindel was in stable condition and was conscious and alert. While the rest of the team returned to Pittsburgh later that day, members of the Penguins’ management staff, coaching staff, and medical staff stayed behind in Utah with Kindel.
The team has not released a formal update since then and has asked for privacy for Kindel and his family. Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ general manager and president of hockey operations, was among those who remained in Utah Tuesday, and he is scheduled to speak to the Pittsburgh media at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday before the morning skate. That availability is expected to provide an update on Kindel’s status.
Pittsburgh is set to host the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, and no roster moves have been announced.
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