"We're proud of him": $51,975,000 Golden Knights star lauds Carter Hart's performance in first NHL appearance since Hockey Canada case acquittal

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in a shootout on Tuesday night. Vegas goaltender Carter Hart made his first NHL appearance since being acquitted in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case earlier this year.

Hart, who signed with Vegas in October, finished the night with 27 saves through regulation and overtime and stopped three of four attempts in the shootout. He had a conditioning stint in the AHL, where he posted a 1-2-0 record. It was also Vegas’ first win in a game decided after regulation in more than a month.

Defenseman Shea Theodore, currently on a seven-year, $51,975,000 contract extension signed in 2024, evaluated Hart’s on-ice performance.

“I thought he was outstanding. He made a lot of huge saves, especially in the shootout,” Theodore said. “We’re all happy for him.”

When asked about the postgame atmosphere, Theodore did not provide too many details.

“I think we’re going to keep that in house. We’re a family in here. We love each and every one of each other. We’re proud of him.”

Jesse Granger

@JesseGranger_

Shea Theodore on Hart- "I thought he was outstanding. He made a lot of huge saves, especially in the shootout. We're all happy for him." On the dressing room celebrations- "I think we're going to keep that in house. We're a family in here. We love each and every one of each

Hart last appeared in an NHL game in January 2024 before he, along with four other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team, was charged with sexual assault in February 2024 relating to an incident in London, Ontario.

In July, the court delivered not-guilty verdicts for all five accused, ruling the prosecution had not proven lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the acquittal, the NHL reinstated the players, making them eligible to sign contracts for the 2025-26 season.

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Carter Hart reflects on 'difficult journey' back

During the postgame media availability, Carter Hart described the personal impact of stepping back onto the NHL ice on Tuesday night.

Hart explained the significance of the moment didn’t fully register until the pregame ceremony.

“I think just skating out the first time onto the ice wearing a Golden Knights sweater is an amazing feeling,” Hart said. “It didn’t really sink in until the national anthem. Just looking around and that feeling you’re back playing.”

Hart became visibly emotional while speaking with reporters, briefly stopping to compose himself.

“Sorry,” he said. “Yeah, it’s been a really difficult journey to get back, one I wouldn’t have been able to do without my family and friends. I’m just so happy to be playing the game again.”

Hart was the first of the five former 2018 Canada World Junior players to sign an NHL contract following their acquittals.

The Golden Knights now begin a five-game Eastern Conference road trip, including a Dec. 11 visit to Philadelphia, where Hart previously spent his NHL career.