The Pittsburgh Penguins recently went through a scary situation, when young skater Ben Kindel had to receive medical treatment during a flight. Kindel is now speaking out after returning to team practice.
“Nice to be back out there with the guys,” Kindel said, per Penguins writer Josh Yohe. “…..I am just happy to be moving forward now. I am just very grateful for the Penguins staff, doctors, trainers, everybody who are so good, as well as the flight crew.”
The episode occurred after the Penguins team plane was leaving Salt Lake City in Utah, following a game against the Utah Mammoth. Kindel underwent a medical situation on board, and the plane returned to Salt Lake City.
Kindel collapsed on the plane, per Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas. He has been diagnosed as having a vasovagal episode.
“According to the Mayo Clinic, they occur when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers. Your heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly, which leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, causing you to briefly lose consciousness. From Dubas’ understanding, Kindel had no prior history, and they are working to determine exactly what triggered it,” NHL.com reported.
Penguins fans are grateful Kindel has been able to return to the team. The young Penguins forward has four points on the season. He hasn't played since that game against Utah, on October 19.
“It's a scary situation that we went through, and at the end of the day, we're just happy that Kindy is all right, he’s back with us, and he'll be an important part on this team moving forward really soon here, I think,” Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson said.
Pittsburgh has 11 points on the season. The Penguins next play the Mammoth on Thursday.