Carter Hart

Early Life and Goaltending Beginnings

Carter Hart was born on August 13, 1998, in Sherwood Park, Alberta, to Shauna and John Hart. His father had played hockey for the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks, and initially young Carter aspired to be a forward like him. He soon discovered, however, that he derived more enjoyment from making saves than scoring goals, a preference that steered him toward the goaltender position. At the age of ten, his parents hired sport psychologist John Stevenson, who had previously worked with NHL goaltender Braden Holtby, to serve as his goaltending coach. From a young age, Hart idolized Montreal Canadiens star Carey Price, a player he would later face in the NHL and admit to being star-struck by during their first encounter. His foundational training combined technical skill development with a strong emphasis on the mental aspects of the position, a duality that would define his approach throughout his career.

Dominant Junior Career with the Everett Silvertips

Hart played his minor hockey with the Sherwood Park Squires in the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League, where he won MVP and Top Goaltender honours in the 2013-14 season after posting a 1.92 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. Selected by the Everett Silvertips in the eighth round (158th overall) of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, he signed with the team in February 2014. His WHL career began spectacularly with a 26-save shutout in the 2014-15 season opener against the Seattle Thunderbirds at age 16. He displaced the starting goaltender, Austin Lotz, by March of his rookie year and finished with an 18-5-2-3 record, the lowest goals-against average (2.29) in the league and the second-highest save percentage (.915). He started every game in the Silvertips' playoff series that spring, including a first-round, triple-overtime win against the Spokane Chiefs.

His subsequent seasons established him as one of the most dominant goaltenders in Canadian Hockey League history. In his second season (2015-16), he recorded six shutouts in 21 games, led the WHL in wins with a 35-23-1-3 record, and posted a 2.14 GAA. This performance earned him his first CHL Goaltender of the Year award and his first Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL's top goaltender. Before the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, NHL Central Scouting rated him as the top North American goaltender prospect in its midterm rankings, and he appeared in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game for Team Orr. The Philadelphia Flyers selected him in the second round, 48th overall, making him the first goaltender chosen that year. He signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers in October 2016 but returned to Everett for two more stellar seasons.

His final WHL campaign in 2017-18 was arguably his best, despite a significant setback. He missed the first month of the season after contracting mononucleosis, which caused fatigue and a weight loss of 20 pounds. Upon returning in November, he quickly regained form, recording his 21st career shutout to tie the Silvertips' franchise record and later his 26th to tie the WHL's all-time career shutout record. He finished the season with a 31-6-1-3 record, a remarkable 1.60 GAA, a .947 save percentage, and seven shutouts. His accolades during his tenure with the Silvertips are extensive and historic.

• Won the Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL's top goaltender three consecutive times (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18).
• Named the CHL Goaltender of the Year twice, in 2015-16 and 2017-18, becoming the first goaltender to win the award twice.
• Received the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season.
• Named a WHL West First Team All-Star for the 2015-16 season.
• Set the WHL career record with 26 shutouts, tying Tyson Sexsmith's mark.
• Won the Everett Silvertips Community Relations Award and was team MVP three times.
• Finished his WHL career with a 116-46-19 record, a 2.01 GAA, and a .927 save percentage.

NHL Career with the Philadelphia Flyers

Hart began the 2018-19 season with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, earning his first professional shutout in a 1-0 win over the Hershey Bears on December 10, 2018. He was recalled by the Flyers a week later after an injury to Anthony Stolarz, becoming one of a league-record eight goaltenders used by Philadelphia that season. He made his NHL debut on December 18, 2018, in a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the youngest goaltender in Flyers history to win his debut and the youngest since Carey Price to do so. Recording his fourth straight win on January 28, 2019, he was the first NHL goalie since Steve Mason to have four consecutive victories as a starter before age 21. His strong play earned him NHL Rookie of the Month honours in January 2019 and he was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week in early February.

The following 2019-20 season saw Hart begin training camp 11 pounds heavier at 191 pounds. On October 9, 2019, he shut out the New Jersey Devils 4-0 in the home opener, becoming the youngest Flyers goaltender to record a shutout at 21 years and 57 days old. He missed nine games in mid-season with a lower abdominal strain but returned in February. When the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March, he had a 24-13-3 record. In the playoff bubble in Toronto, he made his postseason debut with a 34-save win over Boston on August 2, 2020, becoming the youngest Flyers goaltender to win a playoff game. He then posted back-to-back shutouts against Montreal on August 16 and 18, becoming the second-youngest goalie in NHL history to achieve that feat, and backstopped the Flyers to a series win before they fell to the New York Islanders in seven games in the second round.

The 2020-21 season was a pronounced struggle, as Hart allowed four or more goals in three consecutive starts for the first time in his career. After a 6-1 loss to Boston on January 23, 2021, he broke his stick on the net in frustration, an act he later called unprofessional. He was particularly ineffective against the Bruins, including giving up three goals in under two minutes during the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe game. Following a game on March 25, coach Alain Vigneault asked Hart to take an eight-day 'reset' to focus on his game. He returned on April 3 but was later shut down for the season on April 29 due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, finishing with a 9-11-5 record, a 3.67 GAA, and an .877 save percentage. He rebounded by signing a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.979 million in August 2021. The 2021-22 season saw him record his first shutout on November 2 and miss time in December after testing positive for COVID-19. His tenure in Philadelphia, however, was abruptly interrupted on January 23, 2024, when the Flyers announced Hart would take an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. He did not return for the remainder of the season, and the Flyers did not tender him a qualifying offer that summer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Acquittal, Return to Hockey, and Vegas Golden Knights

Hart's leave of absence coincided with his involvement in the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal stemming from an alleged 2018 incident in London, Ontario. On January 30, 2024, Hart was ordered to surrender to police along with four other players, and on February 5, the London Police Service formally charged him with one count of sexual assault. During the trial, Hart was the only player who chose to testify, recounting receiving oral sex from the complainant after being offered a threesome via a team group chat by Michael McLeod and admitting to being highly intoxicated the night of the reported assault. The trial proceedings were declared a mistrial twice before the jury was dismissed and the justice adjudicated the case herself. On July 24, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia acquitted Hart and the four other players, stating she did not find the complainant's evidence credible or reliable and that the Crown had not met its burden of proof.

Declared eligible to sign an NHL contract in September 2025, Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights on a professional tryout on October 16, 2025, which was converted to a two-year contract on October 24. He was assigned to the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights for a conditioning stint on November 15, where he posted a 1-2-0 record with a 3.07 GAA and .839 save percentage in three games. Recalled to Vegas on November 30, he made his debut on December 2, stopping 27 shots through regulation and overtime and three of four in a shootout for a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. His 2025-26 season was interrupted by a lower-body injury suffered on January 8, 2026, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, which led to him being placed on injured reserve on January 15. After missing 33 games, he was activated on April 2 and won his return game against the Calgary Flames, stopping 19 of 22 shots in a 6-3 victory. The following table outlines his key regular season and playoff statistics with the Golden Knights in his first season back.

Carter Hart started all 22 games for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. In doing so, he set an NHL record for the most playoff starts in a single postseason without recording a shutout, surpassing the previous record by two games. The Golden Knights advanced to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. During that Final series, Hart became the first goaltender in NHL history to give up four or more goals in each of the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final.

International Career and Hockey Canada Suspension

Hart represented Canada at multiple international tournaments throughout his youth and early professional career. His first major international success came at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he and Dylan Wells were the team's goaltenders. Hart made 15 saves in a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic to open the tournament and 13 saves in a 9-2 win over Switzerland to secure a semifinal berth, with Canada ultimately defeating Sweden for the gold medal. At the 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, he began as the starter but was sidelined after allowing three goals to Russia. He returned for the gold-medal game against the United States, making 31 saves before losing in a shootout to earn a silver medal.

He returned as the starter for the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, posting a 23-save shutout against the Czech Republic in pre-tournament play. He led Canada to a gold medal, finishing the tournament with a 5-0-1 record and tying the Canadian world junior career record at 8-0-2. At the senior level, he was named to Canada's roster for the 2019 IIHF World Championship, serving as the backup to Matt Murray under coach and future Flyers bench boss Alain Vigneault. He combined with Mackenzie Blackwood for a shutout against Denmark in his only appearance, and Canada won the silver medal after a loss to Finland in the final.

His international career was suspended indefinitely in March 2023 as part of the Hockey Canada scandal investigation. Following his acquittal in criminal court, Hockey Canada's separate disciplinary process continued. In August 2026, an independent appeal board upheld a finding that Hart had violated Hockey Canada's code of conduct related to the 2018 World Junior team incident. His suspension from all Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs was confirmed to run through November 10, 2027. The appeal board also confirmed different suspension lengths for the other four players involved: Cal Foote through November 2026, Dillon Dubé through November 2028, and Michael McLeod through November 2030, while Alex Formenton was reinstated immediately. This ruling prevents Hart from being considered for international competition, such as a potential 2028 World Cup of Hockey, until that date, and any player from the 2018 team will be subject to an enhanced screening process before representing Canada again.

Playing Style and Mental Approach

Scouting reports have highlighted Carter Hart's technical proficiency and composure. A 2016 NHL Central Scouting report noted his focused and consistent technique with positioning and crease management. The same report also highlighted his strong lateral movement while keeping his body controlled. Hart has described his style as a reactive-blocking technique rather than a passive butterfly style. He stated that he is not a goaltender who just drops down and hopes the puck hits him. His development included mental training with sport psychologist John Stevenson to improve his focus and optimism.

His calm demeanour on the ice has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Everett Silvertips head coach Dennis Williams described him as 'calm, cool and collected' during games, while former Flyers teammate James van Riemsdyk cited his temperament as 'the best quality I think he has.' To sharpen his skills, Hart engages in specialized vision training exercises designed to improve visual acuity, perception, and puck-tracking speed. He also uses concentration grids, which involve crossing off a randomized grid of numbers in order from one to 100, and juggling to enhance his focus and hand-eye coordination. A self-described perfectionist, Hart has openly stated his ambition to become the best goaltender in the NHL, an aspiration that has driven his meticulous approach to both the physical and mental components of his position.

Personal Life and Public Scrutiny

The events of 2018 and the subsequent trial placed Hart under intense and sustained public scrutiny that extended onto the ice. During the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, his pre-game press conference was cut short by a Golden Knights communications team member when a reporter asked a follow-up question about the trial and his personal growth since his 20-month suspension from hockey. Fans of the opposing Carolina Hurricanes also directed audible 'No means No' chants at him during games in the series, directly referencing the sexual assault allegations. In May 2026, during the playoffs, Hart was photographed wearing a 'Free Alberta' shirt, a controversial slogan associated with the Alberta separatism movement, which drew significant online backlash given recent polls indicating about two-thirds of respondents opposed the idea of independence.

The legal process concluded with his acquittal in July 2025, but the Hockey Canada suspension affirmed a separate, stringent standard of conduct for national team representatives. The organization's ruling emphasized that wearing the Canadian jersey is a privilege that carries responsibilities beyond mere on-ice performance. While the criminal court found insufficient evidence for a conviction, Hockey Canada's independent adjudicative panel determined that Hart's actions, along with those of four teammates, breached its code of conduct. The suspension, which runs until late 2027, and the enhanced screening process for any 2018 team member seeking future selection, represent Hockey Canada's attempt to enforce behavioural standards and address cultural issues within its high-performance programs. This separation between legal exoneration and organizational accountability remains a defining and contentious aspect of Hart's public profile.

Questions about Carter Hart

What team does Carter Hart play for now?

Carter Hart currently plays goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. He signed a professional tryout agreement with the team on October 16, 2025, which was converted to a two-year contract on October 24, 2025. This came after he was released by the Philadelphia Flyers in the summer of 2024 when they did not tender him a qualifying offer following his indefinite leave of absence and the conclusion of his legal proceedings. He made his Vegas debut on December 2, 2025, in a shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

What was Carter Hart charged with and what was the outcome?

Carter Hart was charged with one count of sexual assault in February 2024 in connection with the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal alleged to have occurred in London, Ontario, in 2018. He testified during the trial, recounting his version of events, stating he received oral sex from the complainant after being invited to a room via a group chat and admitting to being highly intoxicated. On July 24, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia acquitted Hart and four other players. The justice stated she did not find the complainant's evidence credible or reliable and that the Crown had not met its burden of proof on any of the counts.

Is Carter Hart suspended from Hockey Canada?

Yes, Carter Hart is suspended from all Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs until November 10, 2027. In August 2026, an independent appeal board upheld a finding that he violated Hockey Canada's code of conduct related to the 2018 World Junior team incident. This suspension is separate from his criminal acquittal and is based on Hockey Canada's internal standards for its members. The ruling means he is ineligible for selection to any Canadian national team, including for tournaments like the IIHF World Championships or a potential World Cup of Hockey, until after the suspension expires.

What records did Carter Hart set in junior hockey?

Carter Hart set several major records during his junior career with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL. He tied the WHL's all-time career record with 26 shutouts, matching Tyson Sexsmith. He was the first goaltender ever to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year award twice, doing so in the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons. He also won the Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL's top goaltender three consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018) and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year in 2018. He finished his WHL career with a 116-46-19 record, a 2.01 GAA, and a .927 save percentage.

What NHL records did Carter Hart set in the 2026 playoffs?

During the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights, Carter Hart set two notable and unfavourable NHL records. He started all 22 games for his team without recording a single shutout, surpassing the previous NHL record for most playoff starts in a single postseason without a shutout by two games. Later, in the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, he became the first goaltender in NHL history to allow four or more goals in each of the first five games of a Stanley Cup Final series. Despite these records, he helped lead the Golden Knights to the championship series.

How did Carter Hart perform in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights?

In his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2025-26, Carter Hart posted an 11-3-3 record in 18 regular season appearances, with a 2.71 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage. His season was significantly interrupted by a lower-body injury suffered on January 8, 2026, which required a 33-game absence and a stint on injured reserve. He returned in early April and won his first game back. In the playoffs, he was the workhorse starter, playing in all 22 games and backstopping the team to the Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately lost to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Sources and further reading

• Carter Hart (Wikipedia)
• Carter Hart's Hockey Canada Fate Revealed After High ... (ca.sports.yahoo.com)
• Hockey Canada Needs To Draw The Line With Carter Hart (thehockeynews.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.