Predators prospect comes out as gay
Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop came out as gay Monday, making him the first openly gay active NHL player on a contract.
The 19-year-old defenseman said the “past year and a half,” seemingly referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, has “given me the chance to find my true self.”
“I am no longer scared to hide who I am,” Prokop wrote on Twitter.
Prokop, originally from Edmonton, was selected in the third round by the Predators in the 2020 raft and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators in December. Last season, he served as an alternate captain for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
“It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life, but I could not be happier with my decision to come out,” he wrote.
“From a young age I have dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink and improve my chances of fulfilling my dreams.”
The Predators praised Prokop for “the courage he is displaying in coming out today” and vowed to “support him unequivocally in the days, weeks, and years to come as he continues to develop as a prospect.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also promised to “do everything possible to ensure that Luke’s experience is a welcoming and affirmative one and continue to work to ensure that any current or future NHL player contemplating following in his trailblazing footsteps knows our league is ready to provide full support.”
Prokop thanked his “amazing family, friends and agent” for their support.
“I hope that in sharing who I am I can help other people see that gay people are welcome in the hockey community, as we work to make sure that hockey is truly for everyone,” he wrote.
“I may be new to the community, but I am eager to learn about the strong and resilient people who came before me and paved the way so I could be more comfortable today. This is just the beginning of my journey and I am excited to see where it takes me, both in hockey and in life.”