The 19-year old was drafted in the third round of last year’s NHL Draft and played for the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League in Canada last season.
He told ESPN coming out publicly would help ease his mind and play his best.
“Luke is a valued prospect of the Nashville Predators and we think he has a bright future,” said Nashville President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile in a statement. “We want Luke to become a successful hockey player, and we understand his ability to be out comfortably will help him achieve his goals on and off the ice. We are committed to ensuring nothing stands in the way of his ability. His courage is an inspiration to us, and to the LGBTQ community in Nashville.”
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Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out as gay
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KELOWNA, BC - FEBRUARY 17: Luke Prokop #6 of the Calgary Hitmen prepares for the face-off against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on February 17, 2020 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
A Nashville Predators prospect has come out as gay before his first NHL camp.
Luke Prokop, a 19-year-old Canadian who was a second-round pick in the 2020 draft last fall, posted a message to Twitter on Monday. It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life, but I cannot be happier with my decision to come out, he said. 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 improve my chances for filling my dreams.
Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out as gay in NHL milestone >Published: 7/19/2021 5:50:01 PM
A Nashville Predators prospect has come out as gay, a milestone moment for the sport of hockey as the first player signed to an NHL contract to make that declaration publicly.
Luke Prokop said he was proud to say he is gay. The 19-year-old Canadian who was a third-round pick in the 2020 draft last fall, posted his announcement to Twitter on Monday.
“It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life, but I cannot be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “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 improve my chances for filling my dreams.”
CALGARY Luke Prokop says he s no longer scared to hide who he is. The 19-year-old became the first player under an NHL contract to come out as gay, making the public announcement Monday morning. I got to a place where I was. I wanted to be comfortable being who I am and that s going to be in front of my family, in front of my friends, in front of my teammates. Then, ultimately, in front of the world, Prokop told TSN. It s been really cool, the process of being able to come out publicly and be who I am, he said.