Oilers' Connor Ingram speaks on his mental health, progress update revealed on call-up
Photo credit: Christopher Creveling - Imagn Images
In a recent article of The New York Times, goalie Connor Ingram spoke about his difficulties re-adjusting to professional hockey, after missing most of the 2024-25 season for personal reasons.
Connor Ingram had entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program twice, once in 2021 for depression and undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and again in March 2025 for his mental health following the passing of his mother and his father being diagnosed with cancer.
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.
- Connor Ingram
- Connor Ingram
Ingram has been playing for the Edmonton Oilers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, since he was acquired in a trade on October 1, 2025. He was sent to the AHL to get up to speed after missing training camp.
It's been great here. 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 don't get an opportunity (to play in Edmonton), I'm happy to be here and just happy to help somebody.
Even if I don't get an opportunity (to play in Edmonton), I'm happy to be here and just happy to help somebody.
Ingram's attitude of patience and gratitude is as much a matter of professionalism as it is a necessity, given his mental health struggles and the slow start he's off to in Bakersfield. It will take some time to find his game again.
After a slow start, Ingram had a strong debut in his first game, a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda, where he was named the game's third star.
Following his solid first outing, he had a less-than-stellar performance, letting in five goals on 20 shots during a game in Calgary.
«I'm building a foundation on rock bottom,» Ingram said. «That's what it feels like some days. It's a long road back.»
Connor has been through a lot in the last two years. That he's playing at all is a testament to his fortitude and passion for the game he loves to play.
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