Kindel could resume practicing with Penguins next week after episode on team plane
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is expected to return to practice next week after suffering a vasovagal syncope episode on a team flight. General manager Kyle Dubas confirmed the 19-year-old is undergoing testing and is currently in good spirits.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the physical toll of professional travel on athletes and the immediate medical protocols implemented by NHL teams.
19-year-old forward lost consciousness, still 'clearly shaken,' GM says
CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Ben Kindel could return to practice as soon as next week after losing consciousness aboard the Pittsburgh Penguins team plane Tuesday, general manager Kyle Dubas said Thursday.
The 19-year-old forward was cleared to travel to Pittsburgh on Wednesday after experiencing a vasovagal syncope, a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure that reduces blood flow to the brain, about 10 minutes after the plane departed Salt Lake City International Airport. Kindel received oxygen before an emergency medical landing and was transported to the University of Utah medical center.
Kindel, who played 18:53 in a 5-4 loss at the Utah Mammoth on Monday, was placed on injured reserve Thursday. He will have increased testing and could begin training in the next four days if there are no complications, Dubas said.
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