Defenseman Luke Prokop Comes Out As Gay, Receives Support From NHL

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

Prokop announced on Instagram and Twitter. “While the past year has been crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my true self,” Prokop said. “I am no longer scared to hide who I am. Today I’m proud to publicly tell everyone 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,” 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.”