Encouraged by hockey’s supportive response, the hope is that Prokop can inspire others to follow in his footsteps and express their true, authentic selves.
Nashville Predators defensive prospect Luke Prokop, 19, made NHL history on Monday. He’s the first player under contract to come out and announce he is gay.
Luke Prokop: While the past year and a half has been crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my true self. I am no longer scared to hide who I am. Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was quick to respond. “People, unless they can be their authentic true selves, cannot be their best selves.” Bettman went on to tell Prokop that “anybody who is connected to the NHL, whether it is the front office, whether it is coaching and player development, whether it is players, we want everybody to know that whoever you are, you have a place in our family.”
Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi also reached out, stating the team is “obviously very proud of him for taking that step.”
Prokop was a third-round selection by the Predators, selected 73rd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Prokop has spent the past four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. On December 9, Prokop signed a three-year, entry-level deal with Nashville.
It took courage for Luke Prokop to come out–often difficult to do for people who live in the public spotlight.
Besides, for us (the fans) it’s pointless to judge someone based on sexual orientation. It is 2021, people!
