Carter Hart ‘Looking For Fresh Start’ With Golden Knights

On Thursday, October 16th, there was a new stall in the Vegas Golden Knights’ locker room. In front of the new stall stood Carter Hart, the organization’s newest addition. Hart, who had skated with the team earlier that morning, was dressed in team apparel.

“I’m beyond grateful, excited, and honored to be a part of the Golden Knights,” began Hart. “I got a great skate today out with [Sean Burke] and a few guys. It’s been a long road to get back to this point, to get back to playing the game of hockey, the game that I love. I’ve been out of the game for a year and a half now. I’ve learned a lot; I’ve grown a lot. I’m just excited to move forward. 

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city, the community, the fanbase, and the organization, and I got to meet a lot of people here today. I’m so excited to get the chance to play in front of them and for them, and show the community my true character, and who I really am and what I’m about. Like I said, I got to meet some guys here today, and everybody’s been very welcoming. 

“I’m looking forward to getting things rolling here, getting to work alongside all these guys, getting to know them all, and continuing to build on the championship culture they’ve established here in Las Vegas.”

Read More: Acquitted Goaltender Carter Hart Joining Golden Knights

Hart confirmed that he spoke with other teams before ultimately landing in Vegas. 

“We did our homework, we talked to a few teams,” he said. “But we really liked everything that’s here in Las Vegas. They were very forthcoming and honest about everything and truthful. The organization and management have been great to deal with. So many people have spoken very highly about everything here in Las Vegas and with the Golden Knights. We just felt it was a great opportunity here, and I can’t wait to start playing.

“I thought about it a lot with my family and my agent. I’ve heard a lot of great things from players that have played here in the past and current players, and they’ve all spoken very highly about the organization, the community here, and the culture that they’ve established. 

“It was very intriguing for me,” Hart finished. “I’m just looking for a fresh start, and I’m excited to get things going.”

Hart didn’t answer when asked if he expected any backlash from the fanbase. 

“Like I said, I’m just looking forward to moving ahead here, getting back to playing the game of hockey that I love, and showing the community here what I’m really about and my true character and who I am.”

Hart said he plans to be active in the community as a way to show the fans his true colors, but doesn’t have any specific plans yet as to how.

“I’ve done a lot in the community in Philadelphia. I loved my time there,” said Hart. “For me, in that way, just be involved in the community, doing what I can to help younger players and teach younger athletes, and just be a helping hand in the community, and do what I can to show who I really am.”

Hart said that all of his former teammates have been very supportive of his comeback.

“It’s been a long road,” Hart continued. “I’m so grateful and humbled to be standing here today in Las Vegas with the Golden Knights. Like I said, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve grown a lot, and I can’t wait to get going and play some hockey here.”

Despite being out of the game for a year and a half, Hart isn’t concerned about returning to NHL action.

“I feel great,” he said. “My body feels really good. I know that I’ve used my time wisely to take care of my body and do the right things. I know I’ve been away from the game for a little while, but I feel like I’ve done everything I can to stay ready, stay prepared, take care of my body, and work on my game in the gym. 

“It’s different in a practice or a goalie skate versus in a game setting, but that’ll come. We have time here to prepare and get ready for December 1st.”