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NHL goalie faces fan backlash after appearing to support Alberta separatism

Marley Dickinson
Marley Dickinson
|
May 26 2026, 9:16 pm
NHL goalie faces fan backlash after appearing to support Alberta separatism
Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images

Carter Hart is drawing backlash online for a new reason.

The Vegas Golden Knights goaltender was photographed wearing a “Free Alberta” T-shirt recently.

The shirt choice appears to advocate for Alberta to separate from Canada and become a sovereign nation or join the United States.

“I am fully behind Carter Hart separating from Canada,” one commenter on Reddit joked.

The shirt appears to come from Rise of Alberta, a clothing brand that promotes Alberta separatism. According to the company’s Instagram bio, proceeds from its merchandise go toward “accelerating Alberta’s journey toward independence.”

Alberta’s separation movement has become a popular political topic of late. Premier Danielle Smith has framed the upcoming referendum as a way for the province to be heard in a free and democratic society.

On Oct. 19, Albertans will take to the polls to vote on this referendum, and based on his fashion statement, Canadians might already know which side Hart stands on.

Since returning to the NHL in December, the Sherwood Park, Alta., native has been a frequent point of conversation. When the Vegas Golden Knights signed him, the move was met with skepticism due to his involvement in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case.

Hart-Canada-Knights

Hart was the only player involved in the Hockey Canada case to re-sign with an NHL team. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)

In July 2025, an Ontario Superior Court judge found Hart not guilty, acquitting him of all charges. The NHL later ruled that all five players involved in the case would be eligible to return to the league beginning Dec. 1.

Hart was the only player of the five involved in the case to re-sign with an NHL team.

On the ice, Hart has played a major role in Vegas’ current playoff success. The team is one win away from securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, and Hart leads all goaltenders in playoff wins (11) and save percentage (.923).

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