Home / Sports / Hart Returns: Exonerated Goalie Back on NHL Ice
Hart Returns: Exonerated Goalie Back on NHL Ice
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Carter Hart, cleared of sexual assault charges, to start for Vegas.
- He aims to demonstrate his true character through community involvement.
- Adin Hill's injury creates an opportunity for Hart in the Golden Knights' net.
Goaltender Carter Hart, recently cleared of sexual assault charges, is scheduled to start for the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, marking his first NHL appearance in nearly two years. Hart was the first of five players from the 2018 Canadian world junior team to sign an NHL contract, aiming to showcase his true character.
Since signing a two-year, $4 million deal, Hart has been preparing with the AHL's Henderson affiliate, focusing on community outreach and regaining NHL game fitness. He expressed a desire to help the community, mentioning efforts with the homeless. His journey back includes playing three AHL games, going 1-2, as he worked intensely to be ready.
The Golden Knights see Hart as a potential solution in net, especially with starting goalie Adin Hill sidelined by a lower-body injury. Akira Schmid has been handling most of the duties, but Vegas could benefit from Hart's presence as they navigate a demanding schedule. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized Hart's need for game reps in actual NHL conditions.
