Luke Prokop Wiki, Age, Gay, Parents, Family, Height, Stats, Salary, Net Worth, NHL, Instagram

Luke Prokop Biography – Luke Prokop Wiki

Luke Prokop is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. He is a prospect for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL), who selected him in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Prokop attended the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL) selected Prokop with their first round selection, the seventh overall, of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. He played for Canada’s national under-18 ice hockey team in the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships.

Luke Prokop NHL Draft

Luke Prokop was selected in the third round by the Predators in the 2020 NHL draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators in December 2020 and spent the 2020–21 season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, where he was an alternate captain.

In December 2020, Prokop said in an Instagram post: “Unbelievable feeling to officially be apart of the @predsnhl organization. Thank you to all my family, friends, teammates and coaches who have helped me get to where I am today.”

Luke Prokop Gay – NHL Gay Player

On July 19, 2021, Luke Prokop came out as gay, becoming the first player under contract with an NHL team to come out as gay. Prokop made the announcement in an Instagram post. He wrote:

“Hi everyone. While the past year and a half has been crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my true self. I am no longer scared to hide who I am.

“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.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without my amazing family, friends, and agents – who have known this about me and met me with love and support every step of the way. 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.

“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. This is just the beginning of my journey and I am excited to see where it takes me, both in hockey and in life. Thank you!”

Prokop told ESPN that he struggled in the 2020–21 season and wanted to come out publicly because he believed it would help ease his mind and allow him to play his best hockey. He said he made his decision to come out in April when he returned from Calgary after his season ended because of COVID-19.

“I was lying in bed one night, had just deleted a dating app for the fourth or fifth time, and I was extremely frustrated because I couldn’t be my true authentic self,” he told ESPN. “In that moment I said, ‘Enough is enough. I’m accepting who I am. I want to live the way I want to, and I want to accept myself as a gay man.'”

Predators prospect Luke Prokop began coming out to some family members and teammates this past year and told Predators management he was gay in June. He said the Predators have been extremely supportive of him, including the first person he talked to from the team: assistant general manager Brian Poile.

“He in that moment showed me a lot of support and told me the Predators are behind me 1,000% and want what’s best for me and that they’re proud of me during this,” he told ESPN. “I remember getting off that phone call and tears just started coming from my eyes, I was so excited. And in that moment, I thought, this is what it’s going to feel like for the rest of my life. For them to show that support that they did in that moment, it felt like I can rule the world.”

The Predators released statements of support for Prokop: “The Nashville Predators organization is proud of Luke for the courage he is displaying in coming out today and we will support him unequivocally in the days, weeks, and years to come as he continues to develop as a prospect,” president and CEO Sean Henry said. “A long-stated 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 in his career.”

Nashville captain Roman Josi told NHL.com: “Our message as a team [is that] we’re obviously very supportive of him. 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.”

General manager David Poile said: “Luke is a valued prospect of the Nashville Predators and we think he has a bright future. We want Luke to become a successful hockey player, and we understand his ability to be out comfortably will help him achieve his goals on and off the ice. We are committed to ensuring nothing stands in the way of his ability. His courage is an inspiration to us, and to the LGBTQ community in Nashville.”

NHL senior director of player safety Patrick Burke said: “I think my response to today’s announcement from Luke is gratitude. I’m grateful to Luke for being the first one to take this big step and invite the broader hockey community into his personal life. I’m grateful, just grateful to him.

“My personal response is one of celebration and joy. I’m happy about this. This is a player who gets to begin his career open and out and without hiding things. Without fears about who knows and who doesn’t. And that, to me, is worthy of celebration.”

Don Fehr, the executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, said in a statement that the organization, and the players, are there to support Prokop as he works toward joining them in the NHL.

“NHL players commend the courage demonstrated by Luke Prokop to disclose his truth,” Fehr said. “We know the NHL hockey community will support Luke as he strives toward his goal of playing in the NHL, and we applaud the example he is setting for those in the game of hockey and beyond.

“Luke’s announcement also reminds us how important it is to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all who play the game. Hockey is for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.”

The NHL has worked to be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community for more than a decade. In 2013, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association partnered with You Can Play, an organization that “works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all in sports — including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans.”

Luke Prokop Age

He was born on May 6, 2002, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Luke Prokop Parents

Who Are Luke Prokop’s Parents? Little is known about his parents. His family comprise of his parents, sister, and older brother, Josh. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Prokop said he began coming out to his parents, sister, and older brother, Josh, in March of 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the WHL season.

Luke Prokop Brother

Luke Prokop’s older brother, Josh Prokop, is also an ice hockey player. The Calgary Hitmen signed Josh in September 2018. The Prokop brothers play for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.

Luke Prokop Height

He stands at a height of 6 ft 4 in (193 cm).

Luke Prokop Instagram

Luke Prokop’s Instagram handle is @lukeprokop_.