Some fans arrived with signs showing support for Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, and the crowd in Vegas warmly welcomed him as soon as he hit the ice.
Hart, who was among the five players from the 2018 Canada world junior hockey team cleared of sexual assault charges in July, made his first NHL appearance in almost two years on Tuesday night. He received a resounding reception during player introductions before Vegas’ 4-3 shootout triumph over Chicago. Any potential boos were barely audible.
Recording 27 saves, including six in overtime, Hart reflected on the emotional experience of wearing a Golden Knights jersey on the ice, mentioning that the significance truly hit him during the national anthem. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he acknowledged the support of his family and friends in helping him return to the game.
Hart, the first of the aforementioned Canada junior players to secure an NHL contract, signed a two-year deal worth $4 million US. He had been training with Vegas’ AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, in preparation for his return to the NHL.
In a statement to the media after signing his contract, Hart emphasized his commitment to demonstrating his true character to the community. Acknowledging the challenges he faced, he expressed his joy at being back in the game.
Before facing Chicago, Hart participated in community service activities in Henderson, aiding the homeless and engaging in other charitable endeavors. The decision to give him his first home start aimed to facilitate his reintegration into professional hockey, anticipating potential challenges during Vegas’ upcoming road trip.
Despite conceding early goals against Chicago, Hart demonstrated resilience, delivering crucial saves when needed most. He shut out Chicago in the final minutes of regulation and excelled in overtime and the subsequent shootout, ultimately ending Vegas’ losing streak in overtime games.
Hart’s performance garnered praise from his teammates, with defenseman Shea Theodore highlighting his crucial saves during the shootout. Looking ahead, Hart expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support he received from the organization and his teammates, emphasizing his readiness to contribute to the team’s success.
With the Golden Knights facing goaltending challenges due to injuries, Hart’s return provides a significant boost to the team. His stellar performance against Chicago underscored his value, earning praise from his teammates and coaching staff.
Hart’s return to the NHL marks a significant milestone in his career, with the Golden Knights relying on his skill and experience to bolster their goaltending lineup.