Connor Ingram Bio
Connor Brent Ingram is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the third round, 88th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2016 NHL entry draft. Ingram has had a notable career in hockey, showcasing his skills in various leagues and earning recognition for his performances on the ice.
Early Life and Background
Connor Ingram was born on March 31, 1997, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He grew up in Imperial, Saskatchewan, where he developed a passion for hockey at a young age. Ingram’s early exposure to the sport came through youth hockey, where he honed his skills and began to stand out as a talented goaltender. His family background is not widely documented, but he has an older brother, Bryce, who played college baseball at Valley City State University.
Path to Hockey
Ingram’s journey in hockey began with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 2014–15 season. He played in 52 games, achieving a record of 21–21–5, along with a .904 save percentage and a goals allowed average of 2.96. His performance improved significantly in the following season, where he helped lead the Blazers to a playoff appearance, recording a 34–15–9 record with a .922 save percentage and 2.61 goals allowed average. Following his successful junior career, Ingram was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, marking a significant step in his professional journey.
Connor Ingram Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Ingram began his professional career after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 4, 2017. He made his professional debut on October 7, 2017, with the Syracuse Crunch, where he recorded his first professional win three weeks later. Ingram finished his rookie season with a record of 20–11–2, four shutouts, and a .914 save percentage. He continued to develop his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he was recognized as an AHL All-Star during the 2018–19 season.
Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Ingram’s breakthrough moment came when he was acquired by the Nashville Predators on June 14, 2019. He made his NHL debut with the Predators and recorded his first NHL win on October 24, 2021, against the Minnesota Wild. His performance continued to improve, and on February 15, 2023, he achieved his first NHL shutout in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, setting a record for the most saves by a rookie in their first career shutout.
Notable Works and Milestones
Connor Ingram’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including his recognition for overcoming personal challenges. He received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Ingram’s journey has not only showcased his talent on the ice but also his resilience in facing mental health challenges.
Connor Ingram Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Connor Ingram has received nominations and recognition for his performances, particularly for his contributions to the game and his ability to overcome adversity.
Connor Ingram Awards Won
Connor Ingram has won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. This award highlights his resilience and commitment to the sport despite facing personal challenges.
Connor Ingram Family
Connor Ingram was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and raised in Imperial, Saskatchewan. He has an older brother, Bryce, who played college baseball, indicating a family background supportive of athletic pursuits.
Personal Life
Ingram has been open about his struggles with mental health, revealing that he lived with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression, which contributed to his challenges with alcoholism. He has expressed that his fear of infection is the reason he refrains from giving high fives to fans. This openness about his personal struggles has resonated with many and highlights his journey both on and off the ice.
