SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – The Utah Hockey Club began a seven-game homestand last week by winning just one of three games. But they still have four games left at the Delta Center beginning Tuesday night against Montreal.
Despite a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday, Utah got starting goalie Connor Ingram back after missing the last two months with an injury, and Ingram’s mother passing away.
Through these difficult times, Ingram was just glad to be back on the ice. Ingram made 30 saves in his first game since November 18th.
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“It felt good,” he said. “I was a couple of months off there. So it felt good to be back out there. Lucky for me they gave me a good chance in Tucson during the week. So I got a little bit of a game shape but, it felt good.”
Ingram missed some time with an injury, but in late November, his mom Joni’s health took a turn for the worse. And in early December, she passed away.
“Obviously it was terrible news that he was dealing with,” said Utah center Nick Schmaltz. “So we were supporting him the whole time, giving as much time as he needs. Obviously, it’s a terrible tragedy, and I’m super happy for him. He’s a great guy and, you know, he deserved a win in that game.”
“He was really, really good,” said head coach Andre Tourigny about Ingram’s performance against the Islanders. “I think the whole game, he was solid, made key saves. He was for sure the one of the bright sides of the game.”
Ingram struggled with the grieving process, and needed more time away. But he was grateful for the support from his teammates and the front office.
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“It’s been good,” Ingram said. “I can’t ask for anything else. The guys have been great, the team has been great, management’s been great, and I’ve got no complaints. Like I said, it’s been a long time off. So it’s good to be back and it’s good to play again and hopefully it just gets better from here.”