Rising Star: Ben Kindel's Journey from the Calgary Hitmen to the Pittsburgh Penguins
Ben Kindel, a player for the Calgary Hitmen, recently made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hailing from Coquitlam, BC, Kindel had a solid performance in his debut game, logging 15:11 minutes of ice-time, making a block, and registering a shot on goal to contribute to the Penguins' 3-0 victory. In the 2024/25 season, the 5’11” forward had an impressive breakout year, scoring 35 goals and 99 points in 65 games, including a 23-game point streak and strong playoff performance.
Kindel's success extended beyond the junior level, as he also made significant contributions to Team Canada's international success. He scored a goal and an assist in Canada's gold medal win at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and followed it up with a goal and six assists at the U18 World Championships, helping Canada secure another gold medal. As the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Kindel stands out as the first player from that draft class to make his NHL debut.
In conclusion, Ben Kindel's journey from the Calgary Hitmen to the Pittsburgh Penguins showcases his talent and potential as a rising star in the NHL. His strong performances at both the junior and international levels have earned him recognition as a promising young player to watch in the league.