Penguins Cancel Wednesday's Practice, Dubas To Address Ben Kindel's Status Thursday

In light of the events and travel delays surrounding 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel's medical episode Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins called off a scheduled mandatory practice and workout Wednesday.

Instead, the team made Wednesday's skate optional.

Shortly after the team plane departed from Salt Lake City International Airport Tuesday, Kindel had what the team described as a "medical episode," and he was promptly attended to by the team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, and the rest of the Penguins' medical staff. The episode led to an emergency landing back at Salt Lake City International, where an ambulance was waiting to escort Kindel to nearby University of Utah Hospital.

As of Tuesday, Kindel is in stable condition and is conscious and alert. Members of the Penguins' management staff, coaching staff, and medical staff remained with Kindel in Utah when the rest of the team flew back to Pittsburgh later in the day.

So, due to the culmination of events Tuesday, the team decided to make Wednesday's practice optional. 

The Penguins have yet to provide a formal update on Kindel, and the team also asked for privacy with regards to Kindel and his family in the meantime. General manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas, who was one of the management personnel to stay with Kindel in Utah Tuesday, is scheduled to address the Pittsburgh media at 10:00 a.m. Thursday prior to the team's morning skate to give such an update regarding Kindel's status.

The Penguins are set to host the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday. No roster moves have been announced at this time.

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