Connor Ingram and His "Sharpie-Sketched" Mask are Working Out—So Far—for the Edmonton Oilers
The Long Road of Pro Hockey
When Connor Ingram was drafted 88th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, it marked the start of a pro career that was never going to be easy. His route to the NHL wasn’t a straight climb up the ladder. Instead, it wound through multiple organizations, including time in the Nashville Predators system and later with the Arizona Coyotes, a franchise that eventually relocated to Utah. Like most goalies trying to stick, Ingram lived the grind—bouncing between the NHL and AHL, dealing with long bus rides, short leashes, and the constant question of when the next chance would come.
What really seems to have stood out was how he handled those moments. When he finally got a real opportunity in Arizona, he didn’t hesitate. He put up strong numbers, earned shutouts (6 in 2023-24), and showed coaches he could be trusted when games were tight. That persistence didn’t just keep him in the league—it earned him the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, recognition that went beyond wins, shutouts, and save percentages.
Note: The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Note: Bill Masterton: the only player in NHL history to die due to a direct result of injuries suffered during a game
Challenges Off the Ice
Ingram has been upfront about something not every player talks about: his toughest challenges weren’t always on the ice. He stepped away from hockey to focus on his mental health—a hard decision, but an important one. Coming back wasn’t just about returning to game shape; it was about showing that taking care of yourself matters, even in a sport that prizes toughness. That honesty has become a real part of his identity as a professional hockey player.
Note: In January 2021, Connor Ingram entered the Player Assistance Program to help deal with alcohol issues related to undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder; he returned in March 2025 to help deal with the death of his mother.
A Fresh Start in Edmonton
In 2025, Ingram landed with the Edmonton Oilers organization, starting out with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. When injuries opened the door, he was ready. On December 21, he made his first NHL start as an Oiler and stopped 26 of 29 shots in a 4–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Two days later, in the Battle of Alberta, he backstopped Edmonton to a convincing 5–1 win over Calgary. A 2–0 start was enough to quickly earn respect in the room—and from fans watching closely.
The Sharpie-Sketched Mask and the Moment
And then there’s the mask. It’s clean, simple, and it looks to be something sketched out with a Sharpie—a big contrast from the intricate designs most goalies wear. In a way, for now, it fits perfectly: no extra flash, no distractions—just a goalie locked in and doing his job.