When the Vegas Golden Knights signed Carter Hart in October, they knew it would be a long road before he started a game for them. Hart can’t start in the NHL until December 1st. However, he became eligible for an AHL conditioning stint on November 15th.
On Sunday, Hart took the first step towards returning to the NHL and started his first game for the Henderson Silver Knights.
“It felt great, just to be playing a competitive game of hockey again,” said Hart postgame. “It’s been a long time. It felt good just to be out there, competing.”
The Silver Knights played hard for Hart and held the Calgary Wranglers to just 14 shots. He saved the first 12, then allowed two quick goals late to give the Wranglers life. The Silver Knights survived a 6-on-4 and hit the empty net for a 5-2 win.
Hart hadn’t played professional hockey since January 20th, 2024.
“[I was] probably more so excited than anything,” said Hart Saturday. “I mean, I haven’t played a game in a long time, so everything kind of felt different. But then once I started going a little bit, I started to get back into some certain routines that I haven’t done for a long time. It’s just like riding a bike.”
Hart has been with the Golden Knights since joining the organization on October 16th.
“I haven’t had a ton of work in practice, being the third goalie,” Hart said. “Coming down here, I’m really looking forward to getting a lot of practice time here with the guys, and having my own net, competing alongside them, playing a few games here, and just getting back to playing hockey and having fun. They’ve got a good group here. They’ve been very welcoming, and it’s been fun.”
Hart didn’t face a shot until 5:14 in the first period.
“It felt nice to make a save that was for real, and not just in some goalie sessions or practices.”