Connor Ingram has shocked the NHL world by retiring from professional hockey at 29. The former Edmonton Oilers goaltender announced his decision on Instagram on Sept. 11, writing, “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened. Thanks hockey, I owe ya.”
Ingram finished his NHL career with 134 games across Nashville, Arizona, Utah and Edmonton. He posted a 55-54-18 record, a 3.01 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage and nine shutouts.
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Elliotte Friedman reported that Ingram plans to return to school for psychology. He hopes to use what he learns to help others, giving his next chapter a clear purpose.
“his goal is to go back to school for psychology; use what he learns to help others,” Friedman wrote.
His decision soon led to debate among NHL fans.
One fan questioned the timing, writing, “A BA in Psychology? So he can make 50k a year?? I mean play a couple more years. That BA can wait.”
Another asked, “Was there really no interest in him or did he just fall out of love with hockey completely?”
One fan wrote, “He came back from hard life circumstances and showed he could still get it done. Good for him. I hope he finds happiness and peace elsewhere.”
A user shared his opinion writing, ‘It’s the standard age retirement for goaltenders. Hard position, hard on the body. Goaltenders rarely make it to 40.”
“Perfect. He will be able to help so many younger athletes and maybe better direct parents and coaches too,” A fan mentioned.
An Oilers fan reacted by calling the move, “A class act, who was steady in our net, when being unsteady was all the norm. The league was better with him in it. I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.”
Connor Ingram retires after productive Oilers season
Ingram played 32 regular-season games for Edmonton in 2025-26. He went 16-10-3 with a 2.60 GAA and .899 save percentage. He also appeared five times during Edmonton’s playoff run. The Oilers eventually chose Frederik Andersen and acquired Devon Levi, leaving Ingram without an NHL contract.
From a team-building standpoint, his departure reflects the NHL’s limited market for veteran goaltenders. Ingram had NHL experience, but teams often prioritize younger options or established starters when filling depth roles.
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His career carried greater meaning because of his 2024 Bill Masterton Trophy win. Ingram returned from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and became an important example of perseverance.
“Many people face times when they struggle to get out of bed or are affected by unwarranted fears… It’s important to seek and be willing to accept help, knowing that support is available,” Ingram said at the time he won the Bill Masterton Trophy.
For fans, the retirement ends a career that included difficult setbacks and meaningful achievements. Ingram now leaves hockey on his own terms, with his focus shifting toward helping others beyond the rink.
