Get to know Utah NHL Goaltender Connor Ingram; winner of Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

The National Hockey League (NHL) named Utah goaltender Connor Ingram the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Winner. The award, presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), honors the late Bill Masterton and recognizes the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”

“I think it’s super cool,” said Ingram to 2News’ Brian Schnee on Wednesday. “I mean, there was a lot of dark times in my life where sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and just to get through it is one and to be recognized for getting through it is another. It’s a huge honor and it’s a process I didn’t go through alone.”

Ingram was asked about what the Masterton Award embodies; which is perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.

“Hockey was there for me to kind of escape and I guess it’s what brought me back to a full and healthy life again,” said Ingram. “I knew I had to get it under wraps to continue to play so I owe a lot to hockey for putting my life back in order.”

In January 2021, Ingram entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, which he credits to turning his life and career around after nearly retiring due to an undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and lingering depression. The NHL/NHLPA player assistance program provides resources for players and their families dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and other issues.

“It’s a program I didn’t know existed, obviously, I was in the American League alot and it was first time in the NHL and I was ready to walk away and that’s what I wanted to do and lucky enough for me I had a coach sit me down and explain to me what the player assistance program was,” said Ingram. “The plan was to do it and then walk away and the longer I stayed there, the more I realized I wanted to come back and I still had that itch to play hockey. It was hard and it was a lot of work but it’s paid off and it’s got me to this.”

Through the program, players have access to multiple resources including a hotline, counselors, and mental health professionals.

“You’re not alone and what you’re going through other people have done before and there’s ways through it,” said Ingram. “At the end of the day, I think if we have as many people willing to pick up the phone as we willing to answer the phone, we’ll make a big step in this.”

Following his time in the program, Ingram established himself as the team’s top goaltender, finishing the 2023-24 season with a 23-21-3 record, .907 save percentage, 2.91 goals-against average, and a league-best (tie) six shutouts in 50 appearances.

“Connor’s journey through adversity and his unwavering commitment to the game of hockey truly embodies the essence of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy,” said Bill Armstrong, Utah’s general manager. “Since his return, Connor has not only excelled on the ice, but has emerged as an inspiration to hockey players across the globe as he continues to tell his story and emphasize the importance of seeking support during life’s darkest moments. We are immensely proud of Connor and honored to have him represent our team as this year’s winner.”

Ingram will be presented the award during the 2024 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, NV on Thursday, June 27, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and Sportsnet beginning at 5 P.M. MT.

A $2,500 grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Memorial Scholarship Fund, based in Bloomington, Minn., in the name of the trophy winner.

Other finalists for this year’s honor were Frederik Anderson of the Carolina Hurricanes and Oliver Kylington of the Calgary Flames.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winners all have stories of courage and persistence and have inspired hockey players, and fans, across the globe. Recent winners of the Masterton Trophy include Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins, 2022-23), Carey Price (Montréal Canadiens, 2021-22), and Oskar Lindblom (Philadelphia Flyers, 2020-21). Fans can find a full list of past winners here.

Ingram spoke to Schnee virtually from Canada and spoke about his time in Utah.

“The first time I rolled in and we were in Provo and when I got in, it was dark and we didn’t think anything of it and I woke up the next morning and there’s snowcapped mountains overlooking BYU there and I said ‘I like this, this is a place where I could live,'” said Ingram.