Brett Howden caught in ugly fallout because of teammate Carter Hart

During Monday night’s game in San Jose, the Vegas Golden Knights confiscated a fan’s sign that read, “[Brett] Howden heard her wheeping,” referencing the 2018 Canadian World Junior Championship case. Howden was called as a witness in the trial, which concluded last summer with all five players acquitted.

Back in 2018 as a witness in the trial, Howden told investigators, “I just heard her kind of weeping. I didn’t know what was going on. I went to my room because I didn’t want to be part of anything.”

The matter remains delicate. Goalie Carter Hart, now Howden’s teammate in Vegas, had his lawyer address alleged inconsistencies during the trial, questioning Howden’s credibility. Hart’s legal team noted Howden’s casual court attire and described him as inarticulate, but these claims were part of the courtroom proceedings and not proven in court.

Ever since Hart signed in Vegas, he's gotten heavy criticism from some fans and activists about his return to the NHL. Some fans have shown up to previous games with signs demanding to believe the victims of sexual assault.

While the trial is over and all five players, including Hart, have been acquitted, the incident highlights how past events from the 2018 World Junior scandal still resonate with fans, and can spark controversy even years later.

While the Golden Knights swiftly removed the sign, it’s clear that the public’s concern hasn’t disappeared. Many believe that players involved, including Howden and Hart, have a responsibility to acknowledge the lingering impact of the case and take steps to ensure such situations are never repeated. The incident underscores how past events can cast a long shadow, even years later.