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Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop becomes first under NHL contract player to come out as gay

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X July 19, 2021
1 1 minute read
CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 10, 2020: The Calgary Hitmen lost 4-2 against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday night. (Photo by Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen)

On Monday, Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop became the first active player under an NHL contract to come out as gay.

Prokop, 19, made the announcement in an Instagram post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luke Prokop (@lukeprokop_)

“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,” Prokop 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.”

No NHL player, active or retired, has come out publicly.

Prokop, a 6-foot-4 right-handed defenseman from Edmonton, Alberta, was selected in the third round by the Predators in the 2020 NHL draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators in December and played last season for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, where he was an alternate captain.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1417119419646550021

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X July 19, 2021
1 1 minute read
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