Connor Ingram, goalie for the Edmonton Oilers organization, recently opened up about his mental health challenges and his road to recovery while playing for the Bakersfield Condors, the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Ingram has twice entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program: first in 2021 due to depression and undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and again in March 2025 after experiencing personal tragedies—the loss of his mother and his father's cancer diagnosis.
“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.”
After missing most of the 2024-25 season for personal reasons, Ingram was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on October 1, 2025. He was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors to regain form following his absence from training camp.
Connor Ingram exemplifies resilience as he navigates mental health challenges and works towards a comeback, showing the importance of prioritizing well-being in professional sports.