Nashville Predators Prospect Comes Out As Gay

Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop announced through a Twitter post that he is gay. With this, he is the first active player to come out as gay who is signed to an NHL contract. In fact, no NHL player who has previously played in the league has openly come out, either. 

✊🏳️‍🌈

— Canadian Forces in 🇺🇸 (@CAFinUS) July 19, 2021

With this news, Prokop has not only been getting support from his loved ones and social media, but also NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman. 

 

Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Luke Prokop’s (@lukeprokop_6) decision to publicly come out as gay: pic.twitter.com/4S7rWI872W

— NHL (@NHL) July 19, 2021

The Predators drafted Prokop in the third-round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft at 73rd overall. The 6'4" 220 pound defenseman is an Edmonton native and has spent the last four seasons playing for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. In 150 games with the team, he has scored six goals and recorded 41 total points. He also was one of their alternate captains this season. 

This is a big day for hockey, but more importantly, Prokop. It is wonderful that he now is finally able to live, in his words, his "authentic life."