Kindel Selected 11th Overall by Penguins in 2025 NHL Draft
June 27, 2025 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Los Angeles, CA - The Calgary Hitmen are proud to announce forward Ben Kindel has been drafted 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Kindel was drafted by Calgary in the 2022 WHL Prospects draft selected in the second round, 43rd overall. He had an impressive rookie season with the Hitmen finishing third in team scoring with 60 points (15g, 45a) in 68 games in the 2023-24 season. The product of Coquitlam BC is coming off career high season with 99 points (35g, 64a) in 65 games. The forward broke a 25 year-old franchise record completing a 23-game point streak.
"As an organization, we are very proud to have Ben selected in the 2025 NHL Draft," said General Manager Garry Davidson. "It's no surprise that Ben was taken this high with his exceptional hockey IQ and competitive nature. He continues to prove people wrong."
"This is an incredible achievement and marks the first step toward his goal of playing in the NHL."
Kindel joins teammate Tanner Howe who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2024 NHL draft. The forward becomes the 14th Hitmen player drafted in the first round of the NHL draft, most recently following Carter Yakemchuk who went 7th overall in last year's Draft.
The 2025 NHL Draft continues tomorrow with rounds 2-7 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA.
Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2025
- Josh Ravensbergen Selected 30th Overall by San Jose Sharks at 2025 NHL Draft - Prince George Cougars
- Nine WHL Players Selected in First Round of 2025 NHL Draft - WHL
- NHL DRAFT: Lakovic Selected 27th Overall by Washington Capitals - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Two T-Birds Selected in the First Round - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Two T-Birds Selected in the First Round of the NHL Entry Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Kindel Selected 11th Overall by Penguins in 2025 NHL Draft - Calgary Hitmen
- Jackson Smith drafted 14th overall by Columbus Blue Jackets in 2025 NHL Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Kamloops Blazers Add to Hockey Operations - Kamloops Blazers
- Cougars Claim 2005-Born Forward Kooper Gizowski off WHL Waivers - Prince George Cougars
- Wenatchee Wild Congratulate Eight Prospects on Selections to USA Hockey National Development Camps - Wenatchee Wild
- Rockets Name Legendary WHL Coach Don Hay as Associate Coach; Martin Named Head Coach - Kelowna Rockets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Calgary Hitmen Stories
- Kindel Selected 11th Overall by Penguins in 2025 NHL Draft
- Hitmen Sign Defenceman Ben MacBeath
- Hitmen Select 11 in WHL Prospects Draft
- Hitmen Acquire Ben MacBeath and Three Draft Picks in Exchange for Carson Wetsch
- Hitmen Trade Valliant and LaPlante to Penticton Vees
