Kris Knoblauch experiences full-circle moment with Connor Ingram and his father
We have quite the full-circle moment involving Connor Ingram, his father, and Kris Knoblauch, as they have all been involved in each other's lives for many years.
While Kris Knoblauch now coaches the Edmonton Oilers, it's Connor Ingram's dad who once taught him. Imperial, Saskatchewan, about 679 kilometres from Rogers Place and northwest of Regina, is Knoblauch's hometown.
Now, nearly 20 years apart in age, Knoblauch and Ingram, the two most notable natives of Imperial, have crossed paths in the NHL.
Connor Ingram has not had an easy road back to the NHL
Ingram's journey hasn't been easy. He's fought to rebuild his game and earn a new chance with the Oilers. Though his numbers in Bakersfield weren't eye-popping, his Sunday performance offered a reminder of his potential.
Stepping in for Tristan Jarry, sidelined with injury, Ingram made 28 saves in his first start since Feb. 22, helping the Oilers hold off the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3.
The family connection adds a full-circle element: Ingram's father taught a young Kris Knoblauch.
With Jarry out, Calvin Pickard and Ingram form Edmonton's goaltending tandem through Christmas and New Year's, guiding a team navigating through a challenging season.
Even with injuries and setbacks, the Oilers sit just two points behind the Anaheim Ducks atop the Pacific Division.
Why Connor Ingram's story is one for the storybooks
Ingram's perseverance off the ice, overcoming personal tragedy to chase his NHL dream, matches his determination between the pipes.
The Oilers looked in command, leading 4-0 in the second period, but the Golden Knights pushed back, forcing key stops from Ingram and clutch defensive plays from Darnell Nurse and Spencer Stastney to secure the win. Knoblauch praised his goaltender's effort afterward.
"He hasn't played an NHL game for almost a year," said Knoblauch. "He started off in Bakersfield and maybe the stats aren't ideal, but I think he was under a lot of difficult circumstances there.
"We knew that he was a quality goaltender."
- Kris Knoblauch
"We knew that he was a quality goaltender."
- Kris Knoblauch
Edmonton faces the Calgary Flames on Tuesday before three days off, their longest break since late November. For now, Imperial's finest can rest easy after a night that truly came full circle.
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DECEMBRE 22 | 60 ANSWERS Kris Knoblauch experiences full-circle moment with Connor Ingram and his father Are you surprised to hear about this full-circle moment? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 53.3 % |
| No | 28 | 46.7 % |
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