The Hockey insurgency at Sonics Rising.

Even after surrendering five goals, Everett goaltender Carter Hart managed to flash a grin. That’s because teammate Connor Dewar scored the game winning goal in overtime to net the streaking Silvertips a thrilling 6-5 victory over Spokane.

“That’s a huge comeback win for us,” Hart replied after the game , “It shows what this team is all about. Our character, it’s the kind of group we have in that locker. Definitely the last ten minutes of the game we took it to them and we got rewarded.”

The big reward lies off in the distance as the U.S. Division leaders fight off challengers and playoff contenders, “There’s not a whole lot of room for error now. It’s a tight division and the rest of the way is going to be good competition, “says Hart.

Hart is enjoying every minute of a spectacular season. The kid from Alberta has been named WHL Player of the Week so often, they might as well name a month after him. How’s Hartuary sound? In 24 games this season, Hart is 19-3, leads the league in save percentage and goals allowed and can establish a new WHL career record with two more shutouts(he has 25).

The Philadelphia Flyers selected Hart in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. The first goaltender chosen vividly remembers, “It was a bit surreal. My family was there, my grandma, my billet (Parker Fowlds). That whole day was a whirlwind experience and it’s something I won’t forget.”

Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images

Representing Canada in a gold medal effort in January’s IHF World Junior Championship is another cherished moment of 2018. It was an invaluable teaching moment, “It’s very helpful moving forward,” Carter says. “Not just in junior hockey, but next year at the pro level, whether that’s in the American League(AHL) or in the NHL.”

As a professional career looms, the well spoken Hart stands firm and confident in his mental approach to the game. “From my time last year when I went up to Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Flyers Camp) for a month I learned what those guys really do day in and day out. They work their butt off, not only on the ice, but off the ice. They work the gym, eat right and get their rest.” Hart says he applies those traits to his game preparedness.

But before his next chapter, Hart still has some unfinished business to tend to with the Silvertips.

“Every game now is crunch time. Everyone’s chasing for that top spot. The second half of the year is when your true colors come out. We’re at the top right now and we just have to work to stay there.”

Hart Beats:

Why does he wear 70?

Carter Hart is a huge Braden Holtby fan. Holtby is an outstanding goaltender for the Washington Capitals.

The Everett Silvertips chose Hart in the 8th round of 2013 Bantam Draft.

He wore number one all through minor hockey and wanted to wear the same number with Everett, but that number was retired to honor the fans, “There’s no 70’s in the league, so I thought I’d try something different.”