Connor Ingram opens up about journey after first Edmonton Oilers win
The Edmonton Oilers saw their fourth different goalie record a win this season on Sunday night.
Connor Ingram got the start against the Vegas Golden Knights, turning aside 26 shots in a stressful 4-3 victory. It was the 28-year-old’s first NHL start since February of last season, and he stood out positively, though things got a bit more hairy than they probably should have.
It’s been a long road for Ingram, who battled through the death of his mother and a stint with the NHL’s Player Assistance program last season. Things hadn’t been going too well in the AHL either, but getting this victory against a good Golden Knights club should do some things for his confidence.
“There are a lot of days I didn’t think [I’d be back in the NHL] again,” Ingram told reporters after the game. “There are 64 spots in the world to do this, so you don’t take it for granted. Any day you’re up here is a huge honour.”
“There’s 64 spots in the world to do this, so you don’t take it for granted any day you’re up here. It’s a huge honour.”
Connor Ingram speaks after getting the win in his #Oilers debut & return to the NHL.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/bvDmMcsbni
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 22, 2025
When Ingram was traded to the Oilers shortly before the season started, the hope was that he could find his game in the AHL before getting another shot in the big leagues. Through 11 games with the Bakersfield Condors, the Saskatchewan native had an ugly .854 save percentage and 4.11 goals-against-average.
It wasn’t looking all that great, but nobody will care about that stat line if he can pull it together at the NHL level.
“It was hard. I didn’t get to go to [training] camp, so that was a huge setback,” Ingram said. “It took me a sec to get it going again, but at that point, it’s just hockey. You put your skates on the way, no matter where you are.
“Just try to do your best. Every dog has their day.”
Ingram will now look to hold onto an NHL spot over the next few weeks. With Tristan Jarry set to miss a couple of weeks, the Oilers will roll with a tandem of Ingram and Calvin Pickard. Though Pickard has been Edmonton’s backup for a few years now, that position is anything but solid.
He clearly has his eyes on the prize with this opportunity.
“This is what you dream of your whole life,” Ingram said. “You don’t dream of playing in the American League, you wanna play in the NHL…. Every day you’re here is a good day.”
If Ingram can show his worth, there’s a real chance he could turn this into a longer stay in the Alberta capital.