Goaltender Connor Ingram took a deep breath behind his mask, the weight of a personal journey lifting as he secured a 4-3 victory for the Edmonton Oilers against the Vegas Golden Knights. For Ingram, the win at Rogers Place on Sunday, December 21, 2025, marked far more than two points in the standings; it was a triumphant return to the NHL after a challenging absence.
A Dream Realized Amidst Adversity
Ingram had not played in the NHL since February 22, 2025. His time away from the game was spent in the league's Player Assistance Program, a step he took for a second time to cope with profound grief following the death of his mother, Joni, from breast cancer. The loss occurred while he was a member of the Utah franchise, casting his professional future into uncertainty.
"It's just being around it. This is what you dream of your whole life," Ingram reflected post-game. "You don't dream of being in the American League, you want to be in the NHL." His call-up from the Bakersfield Condors came amidst a hectic stretch for the Oilers' crease, becoming the fourth different goaltender to earn a win for the team in a single month after Stuart Skinner (traded), Tristan Jarry (injured), and Calvin Pickard.
Imperial, Saskatchewan Celebrates a Native Son
The moment was celebrated not just in Edmonton but across the prairies in Imperial, Saskatchewan, a town of roughly 390 residents. Ingram shares a deep hometown connection with Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, who was visibly cheering on his fellow Imperial native.
"Absolutely everybody in Imperial knows one another," said Knoblauch, describing the tight-knit community halfway between Regina and Saskatoon. "It's a small town... and the surrounding area, all the farmers." The town, with streets named after royalty, now has two of its own achieving success at hockey's highest level.
Stepping Up When It Matters
The 48 hours leading to the game were a whirlwind for Ingram, but his focus remained singular. "Yeah, it's been hectic but at the end of the day, no matter whatever level you're in, my job is to stop the puck," he stated. "I don't have to learn to forecheck. My job never changes." His performance proved he was more than ready, a fact endorsed by Bakersfield Condors GM Keith Gretzky prior to the debut.
The Oilers' goaltending situation remains fluid. Jarry's injury, described only as something that will keep him "out for a couple of weeks" and see him return "sometime in the New Year," has opened the door. For now, Ingram is partnering with Pickard, soaking in every moment of his hard-earned return.
Connor Ingram's story is one of resilience, a testament to overcoming personal tragedy to reclaim a spot in the league he always dreamed of. As he enjoys the fun of the NHL once more, his journey from Imperial to Edmonton serves as an inspiration, reminding fans that the path to victory often extends far beyond the ice.
