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Luke Prokop, an advocate for the Nashville Predators organization, revealed on Monday that he was gay. He is believed to be the first active player with an NHL contract to declare himself gay.
The 19-year-old made the announcement on Instagram.
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“Hello everyone. Although the last year and a half has been really crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my real self. I am no longer sacred to hide who I am,” he wrote. “Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay.
“It has been quite a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out. From an early age, I dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole being to the rink and improve my chances of achieving my dreams. ”
Prokop told ESPN he wanted to come out publicly because he believes it will help calm his mind and help him with his performance on the ice.
According to the media outlet, no active or retired NHL player has ever made a public statement.
The Predators selected Prokop in the third round of the NHL Draft last year. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with Nashville in December. He played for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
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The Predators released statements on Prokop after his announcement.
“The Nashville Predators organization is proud of Luke for the courage he shows in stepping out today and we will stand by him unequivocally in the days, weeks and years to come as he continues to develop in as a prospect. A long-standing goal in our organization is equality for all, including the LGBTQ community, and it is important that Luke feels comfortable and part of an inclusive environment as he moves forward. advance in his career, ”said President / CEO Sean Henry.
David Poile, president of hockey operations / team general manager, added, “Luke is a valued Nashville Predators prospect and we believe he has a bright future. We want Luke to be a successful hockey player, and we understand his ability to be comfortably seated will help him achieve his goals on and off the ice. We are committed to ensuring that nothing stands in the way of its capabilities. Her courage is an inspiration to us and to the LGBTQ community of Nashville.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman thanked Prokop for “sharing his truth and being so brave.”
“I share his hope that these announcements may become more common in the hockey community. LGBTQ players, coaches and staff can only perform at their best if they live their lives as themselves. We do not take the meaning and importance of this announcement lightly, ”he added.
“We are committed to doing everything possible to make Luke’s experience welcoming and positive, and we continue to work to ensure that any current or future NHL player who plans to follow in his forward-thinking footsteps knows that our League is ready to provide full support.
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NHL Players Association General Manager Don Fehr said the NHL community “will support Luke as he strives to achieve his goal of playing in the NHL, and we applaud him. example he sets for hockey players and beyond ”.
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