Connor Ingram takes a heartbreaking indefinite leave of absence.

This one just sucks.

On Sunday, the National Hockey League Players Association made a surprise announcement when they revealed that Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram would be stepping away from his team for an indefinite length of time. Ingram will enter the NHL and NHLPA's Player Assistance program, although this does not appear to be an issue of substance abuse.

While I am not privy to any personal information in this matter, Ingram himself took to social media on Sunday to speak on his decision to enter the program. In a very emotional message, Ingram proceeded to describe the heartbreaking reasons behind his decision to enter the program while also praising the program itself for the assistance it provides to players in need.

From Ingram:

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. 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.

Ingram's heart wrenching message did come with a rather big positive in terms of a silver lining however with the veteran NHL goaltender indicating clearly in the caption of his message that he intends to return.

"I’ll be back," wrote Ingram on X

I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery from this terrible tragedy.