Carter Hart at center of ugly growing arena tension as Golden Knights–Ducks series boils over

There was heightened attention around Carter Hart during Games 3 and 4 of the series against the Ducks in Anaheim, with fan reaction extending beyond the ice and into the stands.

Hart, who was acquitted in the high-profile 2018 World Junior Hockey Canada case, has remained a polarizing figure online and in arenas since re-entering the league with the Golden Knights. Since his debut, his return has drawn visible reactions from fans, including chants and commentary directed at his controversial character.

In Anaheim, a group of women fans appeared wearing shirts reading “BELIEVE WOMEN.” One woman was seen posing with both middle fingers in the air, with the letters E and M drawn on her hands to represent the initals of the victim in the 2018 World Junior Hockey Canada case.

According to organizers, the shirts are part of a fundraiser initiative, with 50% of profits going to a foundation supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse through recovery programs and services.

The campaign quickly gained traction on social media, with many users sharing images from the arena and highlighting the fundraising aspect tied to the merchandise.

The reaction comes amid ongoing public debate around Hart’s presence in the NHL, with some fans continuing to express strong opposition while others focus on his status as a player who was acquitted in court and is now attempting to resume his career.

Adding to the online discourse, a post from the campaign was reportedly commented on by Evander Kane’s ex-wife, Anna Kane, who has accused the Vancouver Canucks forward of domestic abuse and echoed the phrase “Believe women,” further amplifying attention around the conversation.

The series shifted back to Vegas on Tuesday night, and Hart did not seem bother by the pressure and outside noise. The game did need overtime, but Hart, who was a perfect 5-0 in sudden-death playoff overtime in his NHL career, kept a perfect record and the Golden Knights won 3-2 and are now one game away from the Western Conference finals.

As Hart keeps playing, reactions around him remain sharply divided: both inside arenas and across social media with the discussion extending far beyond hockey itself.