Las Vegas – Goalkeeper carter heartOne of five players of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Hockey acquitted of sexual harassment In July, making his first NHL appearance in nearly two years, debuting on Tuesday Night vegas golden knights one in 4-3 shootout win Above chicago blackhawks,
Hart received the loudest reaction from Golden Knights fans during pregame introductions, and if there were any boos, they were difficult to hear. Some fans also held signs in support of Hart.
Hart made 27 saves, including six in overtime.
“I think it’s an amazing feeling to be skating on the ice for the first time wearing a Golden Knights sweater,” Hart said. “It didn’t really sink in until the national anthem played. Just looking around and realizing you’re back playing.”
After this, Hart became emotional and started wiping his right eye.
“Sorry,” he said. “Yeah, it’s been a really tough journey coming back, one that I wouldn’t have been able to do without my family and friends. I’m so happy to be playing sports again.”
Hart was the first of five Canadian junior players to agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled that those players were eligible to sign deals starting on October 15. The game starts on December 1stHart signed a two-year, $4 million contract and is working out with Vegas’ American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, Nevada,
After agreeing to sign, Hart read a statement to reporters, saying in part that he wanted to “show the community my true character and who I am and what I stand for.”
Hart was asked Monday what steps he has taken to fulfill that pledge.
“There are some things we’ve talked about,” Hart said. “We worked out there in Henderson helping the homeless. Those are some things we’ve talked about all season. Anything I can do to help, I’m happy to help.”
Giving Hart his first start at home could ease him into a tough welcome around the league. After facing the Blackhawks, Vegas goes on a five-game road trip against Eastern Conference teams, including a stop on December 11 at Hart’s former club, the. philadelphia flyers,
“I think he wants to get back to being a hockey player,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Getting back on the ice and practicing, that was all the first step in preparation for this moment. He’ll continue to do that for his next start. We’ve got Philly in the corner. I’m sure there will be conversations about that going forward. We’ll deal with that next week when we get to it, but right now, he should just enjoy his night.”
Hart worked out at Henderson to get back into NHL game shape. They played three games and went 1–2.
“I’ve worked hard to get back to this point,” Hart said Monday. “For me, the key is preparation and I’ve done everything I can to be prepared.”
Against the Blackhawks, Hart gave up a goal on the second shot from the drive. oliver moore Above the right circle. In the second period, Hart left his crease to try to clear the puck, but instead sent a pass to the right side. tyler bertuzziWho scored for Chicago. conor bedard Then he beat Hart with a pinpoint shot from the right circle early in the third to take a 3-2 lead.
But when the Golden Knights absolutely needed a save, Hart made the save. They outscored the Blackhawks in the final 15:15 of regulation and played brilliantly in overtime – especially when teammates Shia Theodore Broke his stick. Hart then ended Vegas’ seven-game losing streak by stopping three of four attempts in the shootout, which went to overtime.
Hart later said, “Everyone here is so great.” “They’ve been very welcoming. The organization has been great, and I’m grateful for everything and the opportunities I have here.”
The 27-year-old last played an NHL game for Philadelphia on January 20, 2024. Hart played six seasons for the Flyers, going 96–93–29 with a .906 save percentage and 2.94 goals-against average.
The Golden Knights could use help in net, especially with the starting goaltender edin hill He is on injured reserve with a lower body injury and his return will likely take a few weeks. akira schmid Has received most of the work with Hill out and is 9-2-4 with a .896 save percentage and 2.51 GAA.
Vegas had lost four games in a row before losing. San Jose Saturday night 4-3.
Theodore said of Hart, “I thought he was excellent.” “He made some big saves, especially in the shootout. That’s what you need, and we’re all very happy for him.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
