League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: General

Ben Kindel returns to Penguins practice after fainting incident

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 7:17 PM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Ben Kindel returns to Penguins practice after fainting incident

Summary

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to practice on October 27, a week after fainting during a team flight from Utah. The 19-year-old experienced what general manager Kyle Dubas referred to as a vasovagal episode. After being treated during the flight and spending a night in the hospital for observation, Kindel was cleared to return to Pittsburgh. He expressed optimism about his recovery and readiness to continue contributing to the team. Penguins coach Dan Muse indicated that Kindel's status would be evaluated daily. The Penguins will host Utah on October 29, seeking to build on their two straight wins.

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Status Watch

•Ben Kindel returned to practice after fainting on October 20.
•He was discharged from the hospital and cleared to play.
•Penguins have won two consecutive games since their road trip.
•Pittsburgh hosts Utah on October 29.

Latest Updates

8:13 PMESPN NHL — Kindel back at Penguins practice after medical emergency on flight
6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Penguins forward Ben Kindel returns to practice a week after fainting on a team flight

What they're saying

"
(AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to practice on Tuesday, a week after the 19-year-old fainted on the team's flight back from Utah.Kindel called what general manager Kyle Dubas described as a vasovagal episode “an interesting experience.
— Yahoo Sports