As the NHL gears up to welcome a new season, the Vegas Golden Knights have invited the ire of social media users through one of its recent actions against reporter Mark Lazerus in connection with the Hockey Canada 5 case. The so-called Hockey Canada 5, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, and Cal Foote, were acquitted in July by Justice Maria Carroccia of the Ontario Superior Court in relation to a sexual assault case from 2018, marking the end of the trial.
However, despite legal clearance, controversy continues to surround the five players. The Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights have been in contention for one of the infamous five, Carter Hart, but not without repercussions. While the Hurricanes are facing the heat from a petition that has garnered immense support, the Knights have received scathing criticism on social media after their recent actions.
Fans Lash Out as Vegas Golden Knights’ Treatment of Reporter Comes to Light
The return of the Hockey Canada 5 players was not without controversy, but the latest development was unforeseen, and the Golden Knights have not been spared from relentless disapproval.
Lazerus was straightaway asked to leave the Knights’ practice facility when he asked one of the team’s players about Hockey Canada 5 . Eventually, the team revoked Lazerus’ credentials. Is it possible that the reporter struck a nerve by touching the subject? That does not seem entirely outside the ambit of possibility. Responses from social media users soon followed.
One social media user expressed their support for the reporter and looked forward to others following suit to write on the forbidden subject. “Hopefully the rest of the Vegas writers all start asking too. They can’t revoke everyone’s passes. #Solidarity”
Hopefully the rest of the Vegas writers all start asking too. They can’t revoke everyone’s passes. #Solidarity
— James Emerson (@jamesemerson37) September 25, 2025
A second X user sounded dejected by the Hurricanes and the Knights’ poor handling of the issue. “I cant tell whats more shameful: Vegas trying to hide from the story, or Carolina players and staff being openly excited about the idea.”
Another NHL fan pointed out what seemed to be the obvious path: inform the reporters that the teams were willing to take a shot with the players after legal approval. The Knights’ behavior only put the franchise in a negative light. “why wouldnt the team just say we let the legal process play out and since they were acquitted we are moving forward. easy answer. acting aggressive makes it seem like they are protecting guilty players.”
why wouldnt the team just say we let the legal process play out and since they were acquitted we are moving forward. easy answer. acting aggressive makes it seem like they are protecting guilty players
— id mtn man (@jeromywyatt) September 25, 2025
A Hurricanes fan chimed in with their support, stating they were sufficiently against the idea of welcoming McLeod to Carolina. The fan even considered dropping their Season Ticket Membership as an act of disapproval of the team’s actions. “Thanks for digging into this. As a Canes season ticket holder I am seriously perturbed at the idea of bringing McLeod in. Seriously considering dropping my STM membership next year.”
Even though the Hockey Canada 5 are eligible to play and may genuinely be the subject of interest for several teams, the latest turn of events is expected to make the five players’ return to the ice anything but easy.