Goaltender Connor Ingram, who shared his struggle with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder that led him to drink to cope with anxiety and blossomed into a full-time NHL player, shares his struggles with perseverance, sportsmanship, and sports He was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his dedication to the cause. hockey.
Ingram had a breakout performance last season with the Arizona Coyotes, but for years he has not sought or received assistance from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which is a joint effort between the league and association. The team is currently running the tournament, and the participation of other players has recently become a hot topic.
“I'm not doing this to get an award. I'm doing this to get my life back,” Ingram told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “The fact that you're recognized is something that a lot of people who rebuild their lives don't get.”
The other finalists were Calgary's Oliver Killington, who has been away for more than a year and a half for mental health reasons, and Carolina's Frederik Andersen, who missed several months this season to deal with blood clotting issues. Masterton is determined by a vote of members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
“The other two guys were more than deserving of it, so just to be able to join that group and be a part of that is pretty exciting,” Ingram said.
Ingram was on Nashville's practice squad early in the pandemic-delayed and shortened 2021 season, entered the Player Assistance Program, and left the Predators in late January. That spring, he returned to play a few games with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, but it wasn't until that summer, when he sold his house and car and moved from his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Nashville. I met him. He married his fiancée and got back on track.
“We just restarted,” he said. “It was good for me and I’m glad I got a fresh start.”
Ingram made his NHL debut on Oct. 24, 2021, about nine months after starting the program, and made the playoffs in the spring of 2022 when Jose Saros was out with an injury and David Rittich failed in the first-round opener. Participated in 4 games. Since being claimed off waivers by Arizona State in October 2022, he has started 74 games and shared the net with Karel Weimelka, who has become his friend and seatmate on buses and planes.
“When there's something I want to talk about, half the time he wants to talk about it too,” Ingram said. “He's a great guy to be around because we're pretty similar and think the same way.”
Now 27 years old and after his team relocated to Utah to begin play in Salt Lake City in the fall, Ingram finally took advantage of the chance to prove himself and realize that the best hockey is ahead of him. I hope it is.
“I felt like I was a guy who would never disappear,” he said. “I played seven years in the minors and slowly worked my way up until that opportunity came along. That's all you can ask for, and if someone gives you a chance, you take it. You have to be ready to accept it, otherwise it won't last long.”
Utah general manager Bill Armstrong said the organization is proud to have Ingram as its representative.
“Connor's journey through adversity and unwavering dedication to the game of hockey embodies the essence of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy,” Armstrong said. “Since his return, Connor has not only excelled on the ice, but has continued to tell his story, emphasize the importance of seeking support during the darkest moments of his life, and continue to inspire people around the world.” He has inspired many hockey players.
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