Earlier this week Luke Prokop, the Nashville Predators prospect, made history by coming out as gay. He is the first player under contract to have done this. Prokop was selected in the third round of the 2020 draft by the Predators, the 19-year-old signing a three-year entry-level contract with the organization.
In a statement posted to Prokop’s social media, he stated:
"“Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay. 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. 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.”"
This was immediately met with relentless support both from the hockey community and from the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ and hockey community have welcomed Prokop with open arms and lots of love.
The commissioner himself called Prokop and came out with a statement, “People, unless they can be their authentic true selves, can’t be the best they can be,” and added, “Anybody who is connected to the NHL, whether it’s the front office, whether it’s coaching and player development, whether it’s players, we want everybody to know that whoever you are, you have a place in our family.”
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The commissioner’s statement is extremely important as it sets the tone for the future of gay hockey players and coaches. In addition, the NHL has shown their support by working “to increase its inclusivity via various initiatives, including: Hockey is for Everyone; a longstanding relationship with You Can Play, which works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all who play sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans; and team Pride Nights.” (NHL.com)
Predators players Roman Josi and Mark Borowiecki are just two of many to have shown their support of Prokop, with Josi saying “our message as a team we’re obviously very supportive of him. We just reached out and told him whatever he needs and that we’re proud of him. It’s a big step for him and we fully support him.” He continued with:
“I think it’s the whole League that’s going to be extremely welcoming. … Like we’ve always said, Hockey is for Everyone, and I think the organization with the Predators really lives that. The organization, the team, everyone in the front office is going to be fully behind him.
“… I’m not trying to speak for him, but he just wants to be one of the guys. Like every other teammate. It’s obviously big news, but I think for us and for him, then he’s going to come to camp and he’s going to be one of our teammates like everyone else.”
Borowiecki discussed the importance of Prokop’s coming out and it being so early in his career, “To see the bravery and courage that it takes for Luke, a young man who’s not an established player in this league, to come out and be so open and honest, I think it’s just incredible and honestly very, very impressive.”
We wish Luke Prokop nothing but success for his future and welcome him to the hockey community again!