The Penguins Are In Sweden, And Ben Kindel Got To Wear A Cool Viking Helmet

Nov 12, 2025

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially arrived in Stockholm, Sweden ahead of their two-game set against the Nashville Predators this weekend for the NHL Global Series.

And - during practice on Tuesday at Avicii Arena in Stockholm - Penguins' rookie Ben Kindel earned the ultimate reward.

Kindel, 18, was the winner of the shootout drill for the Penguins, so he had the honor of wearing a cool Viking helmet with two blonde braids - one of them inexplicably undone - to celebrate his victory.

The coaching staff upped the stakes for today’s shootout by adding Viking ‘helmets’ for who finished first (Ben Kindel) and who finished last (Kevin Hayes).

x.comPens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) on XThe coaching staff upped the stakes for today’s shootout by adding Viking ‘helmets’ for who finished first (Ben Kindel) and who finished last (Kevin Hayes).

Forward Kevin Hayes got the loser Viking "helmet" - or, more like, "hat."

The blonde braids may be a great look for the impressive 18-year-old rookie - but Kindel better hope that he doesn't score too much and is forced to keep wearing the helmet because of a certain superstitious teammate.

Do you think Kindel should partake in the shootout for the Penguins during games?

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