Carter Hart’s return to the rink post-acquittal from sexual assault charges in July was largely met with positivity.

The goaltender made an impressive comeback on Tuesday by blocking 27 shots, leading the Vegas team to a shootout victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. Throughout the game, Hart received enthusiastic cheers from his new home crowd.

While the majority of the audience showed their support, a few dissenters were present.

One spectator held a sign stating, “Character off ice matters,” reflecting some ongoing skepticism.

Nevertheless, numerous fans were eager to embrace Hart in Las Vegas, where he recently secured a two-year, $4 million deal after his acquittal. Among them were supporters of the Everett Silvertips, Hart’s former junior team in Canada, who displayed a sign reading, “Hart has my [heart]. Loved from the start. You’ve got this.”

Hart was one of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team who were acquitted in a high-profile sexual assault case that sent shockwaves through both the nation and the hockey world.

Hart is interviewed after a shootout win against the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena

There were signs of support for Carter Hart in the crowd, but also a few critics as well. One woman was seen holding a sign reading: ‘Character off ice matters’

The accuser, identified as E.M., testified in May that she was naked, drunk and scared when four of the men showed up unexpectedly in her room at the Delta Hotel London Armouries in the early morning hours of June 19, 2018, and felt the only ‘safe’ option was to do what they wanted.

‘I made the choice to dance with them and drink at the bar, I did not make the choice to have them do what they did back at the hotel,’ she testified

The judge overseeing the trial said the prosecution could not meet the onus of proof to convict them and that the complainant’s allegations lacked the credibility needed to justify the charges.

Hart was the first of those five Canada junior players to agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled those players were eligible to sign deals beginning October 15 and to play starting December 1.

On Tuesday, Hart was visibly emotional talking about his return to the ice.

‘I think just skating out the first time onto the ice wearing a Golden Knights sweater is an amazing feeling,’ Hart said. ‘It didn’t really sink in until the national anthem. Just looking around and that feeling you’re back playing.’

Many other fans were eager to welcome Hart to Vegas, where he stopped 27 shots in a win 

The accused included: Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Hart

Hart then wiped his right eye.

‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Yeah, it’s been a really difficult journey to get back, one I wouldn’t have been able to do without my family and friends. I’m just so happy to be playing the game again.’

After he agreed to sign, Hart read a statement to reporters that, in part, said he wanted ‘to show the community my true character and who I am and what I’m about.’

Hart was asked Monday what steps he has taken to fulfill that pledge.

‘There’s been a few things we’ve talked about,’ Hart said. ‘We did a thing there in Henderson helping out the homeless. There’s some things we’ve talked about throughout the season. Whatever I can do to help, I’m happy to help.’

Giving Hart his first start at home could help ease him into what could be a rocky reception around the league. After facing the Blackhawks, Vegas goes on a five-game road trip against Eastern Conference teams, including a December 11 stop at Hart’s former club, the Philadelphia Flyers.

‘I’ve worked my (butt) off to get back to this point,’ Hart said Monday. ‘For me, the key is preparation and I’ve done everything I can to be prepared.’

Two fans of the Everett Silvertips, Hart’s old junior team in Canada, traveled for his return 

Carter Hart #79 and Mitch Marner #93 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate the team’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday 

Against the Blackhawks, Hart gave up a goal on the second shot he saw, a drive from Oliver Moore above the right circle.

In the second period, Hart left his crease to try to clear the puck but instead sent the pass right to Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored for Chicago. Connor Bedard then beat Hart with pinpoint shot from the right circle for a 3-2 lead early in the third.

But when the Golden Knights absolutely needed saves, Hart delivered. He shut out the Blackhawks over the final 15:15 of regulation and was spectacular in overtime — particularly when teammate Shea Theodore broke his stick. Hart then stopped three of four attempts in the shootout to end Vegas’ seven-game losing streak in games that went to overtime.

His new teammates celebrated as if they had just won a Stanley Cup playoff game.

‘Everybody here has been so great,’ Hart said afterward. ‘They’ve been very welcoming. The organization’s been awesome, and I’m just grateful for everything and the opportunity here.’