The Pittsburgh Penguins said that their team plane had to return to Salt Lake City on Tuesday due to a medical episode involving forward Ben Kindel.
The Penguins said the plane returned to Salt Lake City International Aiport shortly after takeoff.
In a statement, the Penguins said that team physician, Dr. Dharmest Vyas, of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as well as the team's medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Kindel, 19, who is in his second season with the Penguins.
"An ambulance was waiting upon arrival, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Ben is conscious, alert and in stable condition," the team said in a statement. "The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority. The team will provide further updates when appropriate."
The Penguins, who played the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City on Monday, are scheduled to next play on Thursday against the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
