SANDY, Utah — In the often-unforgiving world of professional sports, where contracts are king and performance is paramount, moments of mutual understanding can sometimes emerge from challenging circumstances. Such is the case with the Utah Mammoth and veteran goaltender Connor Ingram, who have mutually agreed to part ways. Ingram, a player whose career has seen its share of highs, lows, and deeply personal battles, will not be joining the team for training camp, signaling a clear shift in the Mammoth`s goaltending strategy and a new path for Ingram.
A Mutual Agreement Amidst Life`s Challenges
General Manager Bill Armstrong framed the decision as a pragmatic, yet compassionate, move. “We had a mutual agreement where we said, ‘Hey, listen, we have our goaltenders,’” Armstrong stated, emphasizing the team`s solidified roster in net. “It’s probably best for him not to come to camp and put himself in a (tough) situation.” This direct, no-nonsense approach speaks volumes about the business of hockey, where personal well-being, while valued, must ultimately align with team objectives and roster construction.
Ingram`s journey with the Mammoth has been anything but conventional. Last season, he started as the team`s presumed top netminder, posting a 9-8-4 record with a 3.27 goals-against average and an .882 save percentage in 22 games. However, injuries marred his performance, and more significantly, he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on March 9, following the heartbreaking loss of his mother to breast cancer. This wasn`t Ingram`s first encounter with the program; he had a previous stint in 2021 for treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Such is the silent weight many athletes carry, far beyond the glare of stadium lights.
“We`re excited for him and his path to recovery, that`s the biggest thing. He will either get a chance to play for another NHL team or he will go to the American Hockey League and resume his play. But at the end of the day he will be playing and that`s what we`re so excited for.” — Bill Armstrong, Utah Mammoth General Manager
Armstrong`s words highlight a hopeful future for the 28-year-old goaltender, who was cleared to play again on August 20. The hope is that a fresh start elsewhere will allow Ingram to resume his career, whether in the NHL or the American Hockey League, focusing on his game without the added pressures of an organization that has already moved on in terms of roster planning.
Mammoth`s Net Gains: A New Tandem Takes Shape
While Ingram`s personal struggles garnered attention, the Mammoth front office has been diligently constructing its goaltending core. The team`s decision to part ways with Ingram became clearer with two significant moves:
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Karel Vejmelka`s Extension: In March, the Mammoth secured their future by signing Vejmelka to a contract extension. He was a workhorse last season, posting a 26-22-8 record while starting an impressive 55 of 58 games. His improved statistics—a 2.58 GAA and a .904 save percentage—marked career highs in wins, save percentage, and goals-against average.
“He showed us he can win games. He can show up for us some nights when we struggle (offensively) and win the game for us. He showed us again he can bounce back. He showed he can be consistent. So he proved a lot to himself and to everybody last year.” — André Tourigny, Utah Mammoth coach
Vejmelka`s consistent performance, especially through the final two months of the season, has evidently cemented his status as the team`s top option.
- Vitek Vanecek`s Arrival: Adding further stability, the Mammoth brought in veteran goaltender Vitek Vanecek on a one-year deal in July. Vanecek brings a wealth of NHL experience, with a career record of 96-56-21, a 2.83 GAA, a .902 save percentage, and 10 shutouts across 188 career NHL appearances with various teams. His presence provides a reliable, experienced backup who can push Vejmelka and step in when needed.
The new tandem of Vejmelka and Vanecek represents a calculated bet on consistency and experience, aiming to provide the Mammoth with a solid foundation in goal as they embark on the new season. Vejmelka himself expressed his readiness for an increased workload: “I feel comfortable game by game and I just feel more comfortable in every moment.”
The Road Ahead: For Ingram and the Mammoth
The parting of ways between Connor Ingram and the Utah Mammoth is a poignant reminder of the intricate blend of personal narrative and professional necessity in high-stakes sports. While the team moves forward with a revamped goaltending unit, hopeful for a strong season, Ingram embarks on a new, perhaps quieter, chapter. His resilience in the face of immense personal adversity is undeniable, and the league`s player assistance program offers a vital lifeline. For both player and team, this mutual decision marks not an ending, but rather a significant turning point—a new path charted in the ongoing saga of professional hockey.
