LAS VEGAS — Some fans held up signs in support of Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, and the Las Vegas crowd generally welcomed him from the moment he skated on the ice.
Hart, one of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Hockey Players who were acquitted of sexual assault charges in July, made his NHL debut in nearly two years on Tuesday night and received the warmest response during his introduction before Vegas’ 4-3 shootout victory over Chicago. If there were any boos, they were hard to hear.
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Hart made 27 saves, six of which came in overtime.
“I think skating in a Golden Knights sweater for the first time was an amazing feeling,” Hart said. “I didn’t really understand it until the national anthem was playing. Just looking around, it felt like I was back there again.”
Hart then became emotional and wiped his right eye.
“Sorry,” he said. “Yeah, it’s been a very tough journey back and I couldn’t have done it without my family and friends. I’m just happy to be competing again.”
Hart is the first of the five Canadian junior players to agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled that these players are eligible to sign contracts starting on October 15th and play games starting on December 1st. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract and has been working with Las Vegas’ American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, Nevada.
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After agreeing to sign, Hart read a statement to reporters, saying in part that he wanted to “show the community my true character, who I am and what I do.”
Hart was asked Monday what steps he had taken to fulfill that commitment.
“We discussed some things,” Hart said. “We do one thing in Henderson, help the homeless. It’s something we’ve been talking about all season. Whatever I can do, I’m happy to help.”
Giving Hart his first home start could help ease any possible snub he might receive around the league. After facing the Blackhawks, Vegas will play five road games against Eastern Conference teams, including a Dec. 11 game at Hart’s former club, the Philadelphia Flyers.
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“I think he just wants to get back to being a hockey player,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Getting back on the ice and practicing, all of that is the first step in getting ready for this moment. He’s going to continue to do that in his next start. We’re coming up against Philadelphia. I’m sure there will be discussions about that in the future. We’ll deal with that when we get there next week, but for now, he should enjoy his night.”
Hart is working in Henderson, trying to regain NHL game fitness. He participated in three games and achieved 1 win and 2 losses.
“It took everything I had to get back to this point,” Hart said Monday. “The key for me is to be prepared and I’m as prepared as I can be.”
Against the Blackhawks, Hart gave up a goal on the second shot he saw, a shot from Oliver Moore just above the right circle. In the second period, Hart attempted a clearance on the left wing but instead passed the ball to Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored for Chicago. Early in the third, Connor Bedard beat Hart with a pinpoint shot from the right circle for a 3-2 lead.
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But when the Golden Knights absolutely needed a save, Hart made it. He shut out the Blackhawks in the final 15 minutes and 15 seconds of regulation and was outstanding in overtime, especially when teammate Shea Theodore broke his stick. Hart then stopped three of four attempts in the shootout to end Las Vegas’ seven-game losing streak in overtime.
His new teammates celebrated like they had just won a Stanley Cup playoff game.
“Everyone here is great,” Hart said afterward. “They’re so welcoming. This organization is great and I’m grateful for everything and the opportunities here.”
The 27-year-old last played an NHL game for Philadelphia on January 20, 2024. Hart played six seasons for the Flyers, compiling a 96-93 record, a .906 save percentage and a 2.94 goals-against average.
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The Golden Knights could use some help in net, especially with starting goaltender Adin Hill on injured reserve with a lower-body injury that could take him several weeks to return. Akira Schmid has done the bulk of the work in Hill’s absence, going 9-2-4 with a .896 save percentage and 2.51 GAA.
Vegas had lost four straight games before defeating San Jose 4-3 on Saturday night.
“I thought he was outstanding,” Theodore said of Hart. “He made a lot of huge saves, especially in the penalty shootout. That’s all you need and we’re all happy for him.”
