Goaltender Connor Ingram working hard to rebuild confidence in AHL this season
Goaltender Connor Ingram is beginning to settle into his role with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, one month after he was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers from the Utah Mammoth.
In an interview
“It’s been great here,” Ingram said. “I haven’t had to worry about anything. Just play hockey. You do what you can, play where they put you and wait your turn. That’s how it works. You have to be patient. Even if I never get an opportunity (with the Oilers), I’m happy to be here and just happy to help somebody.”
Ingram spent last season with the Utah Mammoth (then Utah Hockey Club), but began to struggle after his mother’s passing in December. Ultimately, the weight of that became too great to bear while still playing, and he stepped away from the team to seek treatment for depression.
“There were points last year where my wife wouldn’t let me drive home from the rink by myself,” Ingram said. “It was bad. It was dangerous.”
Ingram had previously entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January 2021 while playing with the Nashville Predators to receive support for undiagnosed mental health issues. Joining the Arizona Coyotes organization in October 2022, he got his career back on track and became a rising star in the organization. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse again when his dad was diagnosed with cancer, and then later his mother, whose illness took a turn for the worse last year. After her passing, he knew he had no choice but to enter the league’s player assistance program once again.
“In this profession, nothing’s given. You don’t just get to start back up and do whatever you want. You’ve got to start over. That’s how it was going to be,” he said. “When I stepped away, I knew it was probably: keep playing hockey or lose your life. I made a decision, and I accepted what was going to come next. When I went into the program, I knew that might be it. I probably wasn’t going to make it unless I did it.”
Having completed the program, he’s back on the ice with the Condors this season. He knew he’d have to start from scratch, and his focus is all on getting his on-ice skills and confidence back where they need to be.
“I’m building a foundation on rock bottom,” Ingram said. “That’s what it feels like some days. It’s a long road back.”
Working under Condors goalie coach and fellow Saskatchewan native Kelly Guard, he’s accepting that the journey ahead will be a mix of patience and hard work.
“I have everything I need to succeed here,” Ingram said. “I can’t ask for anything else. Now, it’s on me.”
Ingram has a 1-2-1 record through four appearances in Bakersfield so far this season.
Broncos Part Ways With All-Pro Playmaker After Trade Deadline
The Denver Broncos shook up their roster ahead of their “Thursday Night Football” showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, parting ways with veteran safety and special teams maven
The Broncos were among the many teams that stood pat on making any trades, but Gray’s departure marked a noteworthy day to begin Week 9, nonetheless.
For the Broncos, it is the end of an era that lasted one game.
Broncos Waive Injured Former Saints S J.T. Gray
The Broncos signed Gray to their active roster from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October ahead of their Week 7 showdown against the New York Giants
The 2021 Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro logged 21 snaps, all on special teams,
He had been listed as a non-participant on the Broncos’ first injury report in Week 10.
“#Broncos released J.T. Gray with an injury designation, per the wire,”
Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who, along with head coach Sean Payton, had Gray with the New Orleans Saints, spoke highly of the veteran after he signed with the team.
“J.T. Gray, in the 30-plus years I’ve been coaching, is the best coverage player that I’ve coached. Last year, he was a Second Team All-Pro. He’s been three times, All-Pro in the last five years. Pro Bowler,”
“He brings an added dimension to the coverage aspect of it. He’s a really good, well-rounded player, but coverage is what he does best. And so, listen. We had the ability to go out and get him. And, obviously, has some familiarity with our scheme, our system, obviously, with Sean and myself. And so, it just seemed like a natural “fit.”
Gray’s injury led to his release, but it was not the only notable one for the Broncos, who held a walkthrough on Tuesday after estimating practice participation on Monday.
Broncos Deliver Good News Despite Lengthy Injury Report
GettyBrandon Jones #22 of the Denver Broncos huddles with teammates before facing the Buffalo Bills.
The Broncos listed seven players as nonparticipants on Tuesday. Of that group, four progressed to l
DBs Brandon Jones (foot),
Ditto for wide receiver and All-Pro return specialist Marvin Mims, who suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys
Moreover, the Broncos upgraded defensive linemen D.J. Jones (knee) and John Franklin-Myers (shoulder) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (thumb) to full sessions. There was no progress from tight end
The Broncos will look to earn their eighth victory of the season on Thursday against the Raiders.
The Raiders traded wide receiver
