Goalie Hart Joins Golden Knights Following Acquittal
Goalie Carter Hart is officially joining the Vegas Golden Knights, marking his return to the National Hockey League (NHL). This move follows his acquittal of sexual assault charges, alongside four other Canadian players, this past summer.
Key Details about Carter Hart’s Return
The Golden Knights announced Hart’s integration into the team on Thursday. They stated that he has been reinstated by both the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). The organization emphasized its commitment to its core values and expected compliance from its players.
- Age: 27
- Contract Status: Currently on a paid tryout, likely to convert into an NHL contract.
- Eligibility to Play: Can start on December 1, if signed.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Carter Hart was part of Canada’s 2018 under-20 world junior team, where he faced sexual assault charges that were brought against him and four others in July. The trial addressed an incident involving a woman, referred to as EM, at a hotel after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that the prosecution did not establish its case, stating that EM’s testimonies were not credible.
Prior to the charges, Hart was the starting goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers, taking a leave of absence just before the legal issues surfaced. The Flyers confirmed last month that he would not return to the team. He opted out of overseas play and instead trained in Nashville during this period.
Current Status with the Golden Knights
Hart is set to report to the Golden Knights for training, adhering to NHL and NHLPA conditions. He is also expected to play for the team’s minor league affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, starting November 15. Other franchises, such as the Carolina Hurricanes, expressed interest in signing Hart before the Golden Knights finalized the move.
Carter Hart’s NHL Career Overview
Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, Hart has played 227 games in the NHL. His career statistics include:
- Goals Against Average: 2.94
- Save Percentage: .906
While Hart finds himself back in the league, the other four players involved in the case—Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod—are not anticipated to join NHL teams soon. Notably, McLeod has recently signed a contract to play in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
The Golden Knights previously secured starting goalie Adin Hill with a six-year contract extension. Additionally, they have Akira Schmid, a promising 25-year-old goaltender, under contract for this season.
