Goaltender Carter Hart, a member of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, has officially joined the Vegas Golden Knights after being cleared of sexual assault allegations. The NHL team made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that Hart has signed a professional tryout agreement. Although he is currently suspended by the NHL until December 1, Hart was permitted to sign with a team as of Wednesday while awaiting reinstatement.
Speaking at the Golden Knights’ facility in Las Vegas, Hart expressed his gratitude and excitement about joining the team. He emphasized his desire to showcase his true character and dedication to the community. Reflecting on his journey back to the ice after a year and a half hiatus, Hart mentioned the valuable lessons and personal growth he experienced during that time.
Hart, along with four other teammates – Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton – had faced sexual assault charges following an incident at a 2018 gala celebrating their team’s success. However, all five players were acquitted on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont.
Hart is the first of the acquitted players to secure a deal with an NHL team. While McLeod has signed with a team in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League and Formenton is pursuing his career in Switzerland, Hart’s move to the Golden Knights marks a significant milestone for his return to professional hockey.
The NHL has faced scrutiny over its handling of the situation, with Commissioner Gary Bettman stating that individual teams must make decisions based on the league’s rules and standards. Despite the challenges faced by the players, the NHL allowed them to re-sign contracts no earlier than October 15, with eligibility to return to NHL games set for December 1.
Throughout the trial, Hart was the sole player to testify, maintaining that the encounter in question was consensual. His signing with the Golden Knights comes after a successful tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he demonstrated strong performance on the ice.
Dan Mason, a sports management professor at the University of Alberta, remarked that Hart’s return to the NHL was expected given his prior achievements in the league. Mason noted that Hart’s landing with a U.S.-based team was not surprising, considering the lower media scrutiny compared to Canadian markets.
Currently, the Golden Knights are contending as top contenders for the Stanley Cup this season, with their goaltending duties split between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid. Hill has faced challenges with his performance, while Schmid has shown promise with notable wins and strong statistics in his appearances.