Utah Hockey Club fans write letters of support for Connor Ingram (Photo by Jackie Johnson).
(Photo by Jackie Johnson)
SALT LAKE CITY – Last week, Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram was enrolled in the player assistance program of the NHL and NHLPA. After Ingram shared his reasoning for entering the program, which was related to the tragic passing of his mother to breast cancer, hundreds of Utah Hockey Club fans quickly came together to help their goaltender feel loved and supported.
After the club announced Ingram’s absence, the 27-year-old posted a statement on social media explaining his departure.
Connor Ingram will be unavailable for #UtahHC for an indefinite period while he receives care from the player assistance program of the NHL and NHLPA.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 9, 2025
“For those of you that don’t know, earlier this season I lost my mother to breast cancer. After trying to make a return to playing, l have come to realize that I am not myself,” Ingram wrote.
“At this point in my life I need to put my health first, and the take the proper time I need away to come back at 100%. Though many view the program as a resource for substance abuse, I want to recognize all that they do. I am once again privileged to have access to their network of world class health professionals to hopefully avoid long term negative effects of putting your health second. With the program’s assistance l look forward to getting the medical help I need and returning to a happy and healthy life.”
I’ll be back. 🩵 pic.twitter.com/c5HTbRqFdx
— Connor Ingram (@CBIngram1) March 9, 2025
After utilizing the program back in 2021 to address obsessive-compulsive disorder, Ingram decided he needed to again prioritize his mental health.
Upon hearing the news of Ingram’s courage and willingness to openly address his mental health, Utah Hockey Club fan Jackie Johnson quickly came up with a beautifully crafted idea to support No. 39.
“That gives me chills,” head coach Andre Tourigny said after hearing about the letters.
“That’s unreal. That’s another reason why we’re so proud to play in front of those fans. I could not be more grateful for that. That’s unbelievable. I didn’t know that but kudos to them.”
We love you Ingy. Loved you before you even touched the ground in SLC. I have a little spot in my hockey room dedicated to Mama Ingram with your signed player stick right next to it and a sign for her. Your transparency for mental health is so powerful I live with Bipolar…
— Jackie J. (@nacholikespuck) March 9, 2025
As a lifelong long hockey fan and somebody who openly struggles with her own mental health, Johnson felt deeply inspired to let Ingram know that Utah had his back and would support him along his journey.
“This hockey team is everything to me,” Johnson said. “My stepdad is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He adopted me and my first memory ever was at a hockey game when I was three years old.”
“Hockey is the most cherished part of my childhood. It got me through so many hardships and getting to watch the NHL in Utah with my dad is something I never thought I would get to experience.”
Within just a few days of Ingram’s message, Johnson began coordinating “Letters to Ingy” on multiple social media platforms and was overwhelmed by the responses she received.
With more than 150 letters gathered during the second intermission of Utah’s matchup against Anaheim, Johnson has also received messages from supporters around the world, including the UK and Australia.
“The response has been incredible,” Johnson said. “Last night, so many fans were in tears as they wrote their letters to him. The outreach I’ve gotten has been really special. People want to send letters and be a part of this in any way that they can.”
Unwavering support for goaltender Connor Ingram. Utah is just different.#UtahHCpic.twitter.com/yTJWKvou4b
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 13, 2025
This was the most special night. I’m so grateful we could come together as a family to send letters to Ingy. 🩵
I am still collecting more letters and can schedule letter picks ups for anyone who missed out, or you can send it to LettersToIngy@Gmail.com #utahhc pic.twitter.com/CXRt2lVqOf
— Jackie J. (@nacholikespuck) March 13, 2025
For Johnson, this was personal. Having experienced her own mental health struggles, she understood the importance of helping someone in need.
Regardless of his position as a professional athlete, she recognized that it took courage for Ingram to be open about his struggles and step away from a game that he so passionately loves.
While “Letters to Ingy” is centered around support, it’s also a token of appreciation to commend him for his bravery and example.
“Connor Ingram being so honest about his struggles with his OCD and depression meant a lot to me because I have a hard time saying when I’m not okay,” she said.
“Ingram sharing the battles he fights so openly and honestly encouraged me to show him how much the fans love him, and that because of his bravery in lighting the torch for mental health. That all of us can be honest when we need help or when we aren’t okay. He’s showing us all that it’s okay to not be okay, to talk about it and to not stay silent.”
For those who want to support Ingram, Johnson will continue gathering messages until next Friday.
Messages can be emailed to letterstoingy@gmail.com.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available at the 988 Lifeline.
The Utah Hockey Club will now face the Seattle Kraken on Friday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
