Some fans brought signs in support of Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, and the Vegas crowd generally cheered him from the moment he took the ice.
Hart, One of Canada's Five, 2018 World Junior Championships hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July committed the first NHL appeared in nearly two years on Tuesday night and received its loudest response during the introduction before Vegas' 4-3 shootout victory over Chicago. If there were any shouts, they were difficult to hear.
Hart made 27 saves, including six in overtime.
“I think just stepping on the ice in a Golden Knights jersey for the first time is an amazing feeling,” Hart said. “It didn't sink in until the national anthem. You just look around and feel like you're playing again.”
Hart then became emotional and wiped his right eye.
“Sorry,” he said. “Yeah, it was a really tough comeback and I couldn't have done it without my family and friends. I'm just so happy to be playing this game again.”
Hart was the first of five Canadian juniors to sign with the NHL. The league ruled that these players were eligible to sign contracts starting October 15th and play starting December 1st. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the American Hockey League's Vegas affiliate in Henderson, Nevada.
After he agreed to sign, Hart read a statement to reporters that said, in part, that he wanted to “show the community my true character and who I am and what I'm about.”
Hart was asked Monday what steps he has taken to fulfill that promise.
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“We talked about a few things,” Hart said. “We did something there in Henderson helping the homeless. There are some things we've been talking about all season. Whatever I can do to help, I'm happy to help.”
Making Hart's first home start could help him get a tough start in the league. After facing the Blackhawks, Vegas embarks on a five-game road trip against Eastern Conference teams, including a Dec. 11 stop at Hart's former club, the Philadelphia Flyers.
“I think he just wants to be a hockey player again,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Getting back on the ice and training was all the first step in preparing for this moment. He will continue to do that for his next start. Philadelphia is just around the corner. I'm sure there will be conversations about that in the future. We'll figure it out next week when we get to it, but for now he should just enjoy the evening.”
Hart worked in Henderson to return to NHL playing shape. He appeared in three games and went 1–2.
“I tried my best to get back to this point,” Hart said Monday. “For me it’s all about preparation and I did everything I could to be ready.”
Against the Blackhawks, Hart missed a goal on the second shot he saw, a shot from Oliver Moore high in the right circle. In the second period, Hart came out of his zone to try to clear the puck, but instead sent a pass straight to Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored for Chicago. Connor Bedard then beat Hart with a pinpoint shot from the right circle for a 3-2 lead early in the third.
But when the Golden Knights absolutely needed a save, Hart delivered. He beat the Blackhawks in the final 15:15 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 Vegas' seven-game losing streak in games that went to overtime.
His new teammates celebrated as if they had just won a Stanley Cup playoff game.
“Everyone here was so great,” Hart said later. “They've been very welcoming. The organization has been amazing, and I'm just grateful for everything and the opportunities here.”
The 27-year-old last played in an NHL game on Jan. 20, 2024, for Philadelphia. Hart played six seasons with the Flyers, posting a 96-93-29 record, a .906 save percentage and a 2.94 goals-against average.
The Golden Knights could use some help in net, especially since starting goaltender Adin Hill is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and could be weeks away from returning. Akira Schmid got most of the work in Hill's absence, going 9-2-4 with a .896 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against percentage.
Vegas lost four straight games before beating 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 what we need and we're all so happy for him.”
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