Utah Mammoth Parts Ways with Goalie Connor Ingram

In a surprising turn of events, the Utah Mammoth have officially placed veteran goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers, signaling the end of his tenure with the team. General Manager Bill Armstrong confirmed the decision, affirming that Ingram will not participate in the upcoming training camp.

This move clears the way for Ingram to potentially sign with a new NHL team ahead of the October regular season kickoff. He notably missed the opening day of training camp at the Mammoth's new facility in Sandy, Utah.

Armstrong elaborated on the decision, stating, "We mutually agreed that given our current goaltending roster, it’s best for him to avoid a challenging situation at camp."

Ingram's Journey and Challenges

Connor Ingram, 28, began last season as the Mammoth's starting goalie, finishing with a record of 9-8-4, a 3.27 goals-against average, and an .882 save percentage over 22 games. His performance was marred by injuries, and after the tragic loss of his mother to breast cancer, he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in March.

Ingram had already faced struggles in the past, having sought help in 2021 for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Armstrong expressed his support for Ingram's journey, stating, "We're excited for him and his path to recovery. He deserves the chance to play, whether it’s in the NHL or the AHL, and that’s what we’re looking forward to for him."

The Mammoth's New Goalie Strategy

Though Ingram was cleared to return to play on August 20, the Mammoth had already solidified their goaltending lineup by extending Karel Vejmelka’s contract and signing veteran Vitek Vanecek for the upcoming season. Vejmelka, who impressed last season with a 26-22-8 record and career highs in wins and save percentage, is poised to take the lead.

Utah coach André Tourigny praised Vejmelka's consistency and ability to bolster the team during tough matches, asserting, "He proved he can win games for us, even when the offense struggles." Vejmelka himself feels ready for the season, stating, "With each game, I feel more comfortable and prepared for whatever comes next."

What’s Next for Ingram?

With his future uncertain but hopeful, Connor Ingram now stands on the brink of new opportunities. As he heads into a possible new chapter in his hockey career, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see where he lands next.