A Calgary Hitman star who’s on the road to the NHL, has come out as gay..Luke Prokop, 19, a third-round draft pick for the Nashville Predators, made the announcement on his Twitter page..“Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay,” Prokop, a 6-ft. 4-in, 218 lb. defenceman, wrote..“I am no longer afraid of who I am..“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..“I hope that in sharing who I am I can help other people see that gay people are welcome in the hockey community as we work to make sure that hockey truly is for everyone.”. Screen-Shot-2021-07-19-at-2.39.00-PMProkop message on Twitter .There has never been an openly gay player to lace up in the NHL. Carl Nassib, a defensive lineman with the Las Vegas Raiders, recently came out as the first openly gay player in the NFL. Until Monday, there had never been an openly gay player in the WHL..“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,” Prokop wrote..“I may be new to the community, but I am eager to learn about the strong and resilient people who came before me and paved the way so I could be more comfortable today.”.The Athletic reported over the last year, Prokop told the Predators he wanted to be open and honest about his sexuality and received their full support..“Very brave young man,” Predators GM David Poile, who selected Prokop in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, told The Athletic. He went on to sign his entry-level contract with the Preds on Dec. 9, 2020..“It took a lot of courage. I’m proud that he did that. It’s got to be exciting for him to be taking this step..“This is a big story and hopefully it helps and encourages others in similar situations. It’s a big deal.’’.Predators captain Roman Josi also extended his support to Prokop..“Our message as a team [is that] we’re obviously very supportive of him,” Josi said..“We just reached out and told him [we’ll help with] whatever he needs and that we’re proud of him. It’s a big step for him and we fully support him.”.Since being selected by the Hitmen with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 WHL Prospects Draft, Prokop has skated in 150 career WHL regular-season contests, representing Canada White at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and competing in the 2020 Kubota CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game in Hamilton, Ont..WHL Commissioner Ron Robison pledged the support of the WHL in a statement..“The entire WHL community is proud of Luke for sharing his true self today,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison..“We commend and recognize Luke for courageously standing as a role model for other young hockey players and people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those within and close to the WHL. We wish Luke success this coming season and in his continued pursuit of playing in the NHL.”.NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared his support for Prokop in a statement issued by the league..“On behalf of the National Hockey League, we are proud of Luke Prokop for today’s announcement and I would like to thank him for sharing his truth and for being so brave,” Bettman said..“I share his hope that these announcements can become more common in the hockey community. LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and staff can only perform at their absolute best if they live their lives as their full and true selves. We do not take the meaning and importance of this announcement lightly..“We pledge to do everything possible to ensure that Luke’s experience is a welcoming and affirmative one and continue to work to ensure that any current or future NHL player contemplating following in his trailblazing footsteps knows our league is ready to provide full support.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
