Edmonton Oilers' goalie prospect Connor Ungar is making waves within the organization with his stellar performance. The 24-year-old netminder, signed by the Oilers as a free agent, has quickly become a standout in their system.
Ungar's journey to this point has been marked by impressive stats across various leagues. Before joining the Oilers, he played for the Fort Wayne Comets in the ECHL, where he recorded a .903 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average in 35 games. He also spent a season with Brock University in the USports league, showcasing his talent at the university level in Canada. Ungar's earlier career included time in the Western Hockey League (WHL), playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings, Red Deer Rebels, and Moose Jaw Warriors.
Since being called up to the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, Ungar has elevated his game even further. In five games with the Condors, he boasts a perfect 5-0-0 record, accompanied by a 1.38 goals-against average and an impressive .953 save percentage. Before joining the Condors, Ungar maintained a .944 or .945 save percentage across 11 games with three different ECHL teams. He has been stopping an impressive 944 of the shots he has faced. His recent shutout against the Ontario Reign further solidified his presence.
Ungar's success is particularly noteworthy considering his unconventional path this season. He has played for three ECHL teams and one AHL team, all while under contract with the Oilers. Despite the constant movement, Ungar has consistently delivered strong performances.
The Oilers signed Ungar to a two-year entry-level contract. During his rookie campaign at Brock University, he set a new school record for wins in a season, with a 20-6-0 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .932 save percentage. These achievements earned him OUA West Goaltender of the Year and OUA West Rookie of the Year honors, as well as a spot on the OUA West First All-Star Team and the OUA West All-Rookie Team.
Ungar's emergence comes at a time when the Oilers' goaltending situation is under scrutiny. With Tristan Jarry recently acquired but currently injured and Connor Ingram serving as the primary call-up, Ungar's strong play provides another option for the team. While it remains to be seen whether Ungar will become a long-term solution for the Oilers in net, his performance has certainly captured the attention of the organization and fans alike.
His ability to read plays and track the puck effectively has been noted, suggesting a promising future. As the Oilers evaluate their goaltending depth, Ungar's continued success in Bakersfield will undoubtedly keep him in the conversation.
