Before Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop even made his on-ice debut in Smashville, he was already changing the game for the better. On July 19, Prokop came out as gay via a statement on Instagram. “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,” he wrote. Prokop is the first hockey player with an active NHL contract to come out. Hockey fans, players and staffers — including Nashville Predators general manager David Poile and head coach John Hynes — shared supportive statements. We still have a ways to go before there’s true equality in the sports world, but Prokop has taken a courageous step to better the game and show that hockey can — and should — truly be for everyone.
Best Preds Prospect
