{
  "id": 16081820,
  "title": "What is a 'vasovagal episode' that Penguins' Ben Kindel suffered?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/what-is-a-vasovagal-episode-that-penguins-ben-kindel-suffered",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T17:59:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vasovagal-episode-penguins-ben-kindel-175951797.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel experienced a startling incident during the team's flight from Salt Lake City. Kindel collapsed around 10 minutes after takeoff and was promptly given oxygen at the scene. The plane made an emergency landing back in Utah, and the player was taken to a hospital. Kindel has since returned to the team.\n\nGeneral manager Kyle Dubas informed reporters on Thursday that Kindel had suffered a vasovagal episode, which led to his fainting. According to the Mayo Clinic, a vasovagal syncope trigger causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and a brief loss of consciousness.\n\nKindel is currently placed on injured reserve as the team continues to monitor his recovery. Captain Sidney Crosby expressed his relief at seeing Kindel back at the facility, highlighting the positive impact of his presence on the team.",
  "summary": "Here's what happened to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel on the team plane with a vasovagal episode.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}