Connor Ingram has heartwarming message after Oilers win over Vegas
Connor Ingram got back into an NHL net for the first time in 10 months, and battled to get the Oilers a win.
Ingram is battling back in his career after missing time last season in the Player Assistance Program while with the Utah Mammoth last season. Last season was a struggle for Ingram on and off the ice, but the year before he was a quality starter - which is why the Oilers picked him up.
Oilers' Connor Ingram delivers heartwarming message after win over Vegas
Speaking after the game, Ingram was clearly emotional about the chance to be back in the NHL, and to get a win in his first game. He was reflecting on the work it took to get back to this moment, and his childhood watching games at Rexall Place after the win.
It was a lot of fun. I mean, you grow up watching this building - I guess you grew up watching Rexall - but you grow up watching the Oilers. It's fun to come in here, I mean, what a great team. It's just fun to be a part of.
I'm not as good, I won't lie to you. My legs were a little shaky at the start there, but I found that first penalty kill kinda got me into it.
It's like anything. There's dark days and there's good days, but there's more good days than bad right now.
- Connor Ingram
I'm not as good, I won't lie to you. My legs were a little shaky at the start there, but I found that first penalty kill kinda got me into it.
It's like anything. There's dark days and there's good days, but there's more good days than bad right now.
- Connor Ingram
Ingram also went on to thank a number of people in his personal life, and even a few doctors that helped in getting him back to 100% and into the NHL again. It's clear that tonight meant a lot to him, and he recognized his own effort and that of many others.
Ingram wasn't perfect tonight, and finished the game with a .897 save percentage and a positive goals saved above expected. However, he did better than the startlingly poor numbers he posted in the AHL. Some goalies even say that playing in the NHL is easier with more predictable plays.
At the end of the day, he battled to get the win for the Oilers, and locked it down in the critical last minutes of the third period.
This is a hometown goalie who's a fantastic story in trying to work his way back to the NHL.
Tonight'a solid effort against the Vegas Golden Knights will buy him more starts while Jarry's out with injury, and possibly, he coukd take over Pickard's job as the Oilers backup.
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DECEMBRE 21 | 743 ANSWERS Connor Ingram has heartwarming message after Oilers win over Vegas Do you think Ingram will be the Oilers backup goalie over Pickard? | ||
| Yes | 545 | 73.4 % |
| No | 198 | 26.6 % |
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