Our statement in response to Carter Hart and the Vegas Golden Knights

As sexual assault survivors and hockey fans, we are deeply disappointed by the Vegas Golden Knights’ decision to sign Carter Hart, especially while Brett Howden remains on their roster.

This decision reflects a continued disregard for integrity in hockey and reinforces the toxic culture that has enabled decades of sexual assault allegations. It’s a clear reminder that nothing was learned from the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks scandal despite years of promises to do better.

What E.M. endured at the recent Hockey Canada trial was horrific. After being forced to relive her trauma under hostile cross-examination while key corroborating evidence was ignored and dismissed, now she must watch one of the men involved be celebrated by a major NHL franchise.

Carter Hart may have been found not criminally guilty, but the NHL itself called the incident he participated in “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” From his enthusiastic “I’m in” response to an invitation for group sex with a woman who knew nothing about it, to asking that woman for a "blow job" without checking if she was ok, to texting a teammate to make sure he didn't miss out — Hart has never taken accountability.

At his press conference, Hart claimed he has “learned and grown” and wants to guide the next generation, yet offered nothing to show what he’s learned. If he truly gained meaningful insight, why stay silent? Silence is not growth, and it’s not leadership.

If the Golden Knights stand by their “core values,” they owe fans an explanation of how this signing aligns with their code of conduct and how they plan to make women and survivors feel safe in their arenas.

We call on the NHL and its teams to stop prioritizing performance over integrity.

Beyond the Verdict stands with E.M. and all survivors of sexual misconduct and violence. 

In solidarity,

Kelly Favro and J.B.
With support from Kristi Lee
Beyond The Verdict