LAS VEGAS – Goalie Carter Hartone of five Canadian junior hockey players in the world in 2018. acquitted of sexual assault in July, made his first NHL appearance in nearly two years on Tuesday night, making his debut for Vegas Golden Knights V Win on shootout 4-3 over Chicago Blackhawks.
Hart drew the loudest reaction from Golden Knights fans during the pregame introductions, and if there were any boos, they were hard to hear. Some fans also held signs supporting Hart.
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. “Yes, coming back was a really difficult journey that I couldn’t have done 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 has ruled that these players are eligible to sign contracts from October 15th until play from December 1. 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.
“We talked about a few things,” Hart said. “We've done some things there in Henderson to help the homeless. There are some things that we've talked 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. 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 the first step in preparing for this moment. He will continue to do so for his next start. Philadelphia is just around the corner. I'm sure there will be conversation about this in the future. We'll sort it out next week when we get around 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've done my [butt] “I'm going to get back to that 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 from the field. Oliver Moore above the right circle. In the second period, Hart came out of his box trying to clear the puck, but instead passed directly to Tyler Bertuzziscored 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 15-15 in the final game of regulation and was great in overtime, especially when his teammate Shea Theodore broke my stick. Hart then stopped three of four attempts in the shootout to end Vegas' seven-game losing streak in games that went to overtime.
“Everyone here was so great,” Hart said later. “They were very hospitable. 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 goal, especially with their starting goalie. Adin Hill 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, posting a 9-2-4 record, .896 save percentage and 2.51 goals-against percentage.
Vegas lost four games in a row before winning. 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. This is what we need and we are all so happy for him.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
