On Sunday, it was announced that Connor Ingram would enter the NHL Player Assistance Program, leaving the Utah Hockey Club for an indefinite amount of time. It has been a horrible past couple of months for Ingram as his mother unfortunately passed away back in November, which is not easy on anyone.
Ingram tried to return but realized he just wasn’t himself. Personal health is more important than playing hockey, and with that, he checked himself into the Player Assistance Program. It wasn’t without support from his teammates in Utah.
Connor Ingram’s Battle with Mental Health
This isn’t Ingram’s first time going into the Player Assistance Program. Back in 2021, when he was with the Nashville Predators, he entered into the program and spent 40 days in a mental health treatment center. Through this, Ingram announced he had OCD, which had never been diagnosed, along with lingering depression.
During that time, Ingram had just been sent down to the ECHL and had contemplated retiring from the sport altogether. However, after leaving the program, he made his way to the NHL and recorded his first win against the Minnesota Wild. Later that season in the playoffs, Ingram made an incredible 49 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
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After being claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes, Ingram had a great first season with the team, recording his first shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning and setting the NHL record for saves by a rookie in their first career shutout. He went on to record a .907 save percentage (SV%) that season despite being on a rebuilding Coyotes team.
The next season, Ingram stole the starting position in net and went on to record 23 wins and have a save percentage of .907 again. He was also a key figure in the support of mental health around the league, which earned him the Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the player that “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
In Utah, his stats haven’t been as good as prior seasons. He took a leave of absence for two months. Eventually, he appeared in and won a game with the Tucson Roadrunners and was called back up. In his first game back in the NHL, Ingram was clearly the best player on Utah as he made 30 saves and posted an impressive .938 SV% during a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders. However, for everyone, it was good seeing the goaltender back after everything he went through.
Connor Ingram gets a decently loud applause after being announced as the starter tonight vs the Islanders. #UtahHC pic.twitter.com/nBcYdPwC8B
— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) January 12, 2025
“It was awesome to see,” Nick Schmaltz said. “(It was) terrible news that he was dealing with. We were supporting him the whole time, giving him as much time as he (needed). It’s a terrible tragedy, and (I’m) super happy for him. He’s a great guy and he deserved a win the way he played.”
Despite the great return, the good feeling didn’t last long. It was clear that something was still wrong. With that, Karel Vejmelka played more and Ingram played less until Sunday. Ingram did put out a statement on social media immediately after the announcement.
“For those of you that don’t know, earlier this season I lost my mother to breast cancer. After trying to make a return to playing, I have come to realize that I am not myself,” Ingram wrote. “At this point in my life I need to put my health first, and take the time I need away to come back at 100%.”
Nothing but Support From Utah
Just like during his leave of absence, his teammates in Salt Lake City had nothing but the most supportive words to say about the situation. The word family has been used to describe the Utah team by their players, and it shows when they come out to support Ingram during this difficult time.
“I think that support is pretty important to him,” Vejmelka said. “We have to share some positive vibes to him and hopefully he’s going to be back pretty quick.”
In the wake of Ingram stepping away from the team, Jaxson Stauber was recalled from the Roadrunners to serve as the backup to Vejmelka. Even though Stauber hasn’t played much with Ingram, he had nothing but the utmost supportive things to say about him.
“Anytime you know people are going through things, it’s always good to have the support of your teammates,” Stauber said. “I think any way that the guys and myself can support him is helpful, and it goes a long way.”
Head coach André Tourigny perhaps had the most impactful words about the situation. He didn’t just speak about Ingram’s situation but mental health in hockey as a whole. It’s something that isn’t talked about enough, especially with the amount of pressure placed on these athletes.
“I think mental health is a thing,” Tourigny said. “It’s important, and it’s been underestimated for years. I think it’s good to come to light and people take care of themselves. It’s important for everybody to try to help people in that regard as well.”
Tourigny also added how the NHL and Utah have done a good job of supporting its players through these issues. While it’s unclear how long Ingram will be gone, it’s important that he takes his time to heal himself and find a way to live a good life again. The off-ice issues come before the on-ice issues, especially when it comes to mental health. It seems like Ingram is set on accomplishing exactly that as he starts his difficult but important journey back to being himself again.
“Though many view the program as a resource for substance abuse, I want to recognize all that they do,” Ingram wrote. “I am once again privileged to have access to their network of world class health professionals to hopefully avoid long-term negative effects of putting your health second. With the program’s assistance I look forward to getting the medical help I need and returning to a happy and healthy life.”
Utah only has 19 games remaining in the regular season as Vejmelka and Stauber take over in net. Both goaltenders have been crucial in the team’s success and history, with Stauber recording the first-ever shutout in franchise history and Vejmelka playing in most of Utah’s games.
