Fans Rally Behind Carter Hart Amid Controversy at Finals

WHO:

The New York Times - Carter Hart, goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights; Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, players acquitted alongside Hart.

US Magazine - NHL reporter commenting on fan support for Carter Hart.

WHAT:

The New York Times - Fans chanted “no means no” at Carter Hart during Stanley Cup Final Game 2.

The New York Times - Hart was one of five players acquitted on charges of sexual assault by the Ontario Superior Court.

The New York Times - The NHL suspended all five players for “deeply troubling and unacceptable” behavior despite their acquittal.

The New York Times - Hart has started all 18 of the Golden Knights’ playoff games and won 13 of them.

The New York Times - Hart had a .923 save percentage at the start of Game 2 and stopped 25 of 29 shots in Game 1.

WHERE:

The New York Times - Lenovo Center, Raleigh, N.C.

The New York Times - London, Ontario, where the alleged incident occurred.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The Ontario Superior Court acquitted the players on July 24, 2025.

The New York Times - The players were initially charged and ruled ineligible by the NHL in January 2024.

The New York Times - Hart was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Philadelphia Flyers in the summer of 2024.

WHY:

The New York Times - The NHL's suspension was based on the league's investigation and the conduct falling short of expected standards.

HOW:

The New York Times - Hart mentioned learning and growth since the verdict during a media day, highlighting community integration efforts by the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 06:23 UTC)

Carter Hart, the goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, faced chants of “no means no” from fans during Stanley Cup Final Game 2, despite being acquitted alongside four other players of sexual assault charges by the Ontario Superior Court. The NHL has suspended all five players for what it deemed “deeply troubling and unacceptable” behavior, even after their acquittal, while Hart has been a standout performer in the playoffs, starting all 18 games and winning 13 with a .923 save percentage. During a recent media day, Hart emphasized his commitment to learning and growth since the verdict, as well as the community integration efforts supported by the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.