Luke Prokop took a courageous step Monday, becoming the first player signed to an NHL contract to come out as gay, making him a trailblazer in the hockey community.
During an interview on 31 Thoughts: The Podcast, Prokop opened up about the importance of coming out – with respect to both what it means to him personally, and what it could mean for others.
And that impact is clear. His announcement has received an outpouring of support on social media from fans, fellow players, teams and organizations. It also prompted a $100,000 donation from the NHL to a number of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations:
We’re so proud of Luke for sharing his truth. We believe in inclusion and the freedom to be yourself, and remain committed to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ2S+ community. #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/zFE8OGy3p2
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 19, 2021
Proud of you @lukeprokop_6. This will help so many going through similar journeys! All love! https://t.co/xYkFCAyhkR
— Tyson Barrie (@tysonbarrie) July 19, 2021
It’s a big week for hockey, but no announcement will be more important than this. It’s a groundbreaking day. Thank you Luke.#HockeyIsForEveryone
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) July 19, 2021
Congrats to Edmonton product & @PredsNHL prospect Luke Prokop on this brave step forward! Representation matters everywhere. #HockeyIsForEveryone
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 19, 2021
“I’m finally going to be able to breathe and exhale and show the world the real me.” Luke Prokop #NHL https://t.co/8u5lAb2ROn
— DeObia Oparei (@DeObia) July 19, 2021
The great gift, @lukeprokop_6, is that whatever you do for the rest of your life will be done as you are.
Also, what you have done today will help to save the lives of others.
Represent https://t.co/OxVXlB8clp
— Scott MacArthur (@ScottyMacThinks) July 19, 2021
My youngest and bravest! Forever proud ! https://t.co/zxtt2DurWn
— Nicole Prokop (@Prokop1Nicole) July 19, 2021
Sending you love & support from Seattle @lukeprokop_6! #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/BaMzjAneqJ
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 19, 2021
Nothing but love for you, Luke. We're inspired by your courage, and proud to support you https://t.co/WqqmMJJxlf
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 19, 2021
Hockey is for everyone. Period.
Thank you Luke for sharing your truth.
You are impacting so many lives and I hope this encourages more people to feel good about living life as their true, authentic selves.
— Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) July 19, 2021
We support and stand with you, Luke, and we are proud to have you as part of our hockey community #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/55aqnPHQ2W
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 19, 2021
#IslesNation stands with you, @lukeprokop_6! https://t.co/DQnaz4qc0g
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 19, 2021
Thank you for sharing your true self, Luke. The Canadian hockey family is proud of you and proud to give our support. https://t.co/o7zz3Y4tRb
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) July 19, 2021
The Coyotes are proud of your courage to show us all exactly who you are so that others can do the same moving forward. Thank you for sharing your whole, authentic self with us.
We all love you for it and can’t wait to see all that you do moving forward, @lukeprokop_6. https://t.co/EiQuoWlzv1
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 19, 2021
Hockey is for everyone. https://t.co/wbaVU7I56T
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 19, 2021
We’re proud of you for being true to your authentic self, Luke!
#HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/PRLw7UbBlI— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) July 19, 2021
We support you Luke, and are proud to have you as part of the @NHL community. #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/iVSQ42wUWp
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 19, 2021
Thank you @lukeprokop_6 for sharing your truth.
The hockey community is a better place when everyone can show their authentic selves https://t.co/otiFfeBKlm
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 19, 2021
Congrats to Edmonton product & @PredsNHL prospect Luke Prokop on this brave step forward! Representation matters everywhere. #HockeyIsForEveryone
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 19, 2021
Respect and Love for you, Luke! #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/byblNb7NVH
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 19, 2021
Proud to have you as a member of the hockey family, Luke!!
Representation matters & the Cats have your back. https://t.co/SUcoG51BY0
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 19, 2021
Way to be true, Luke.
As always, hockey is for everyone! https://t.co/q9nfjDVDzO
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 19, 2021
Proud of you, Luke! #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/iUuGg0lYMq
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 19, 2021
Proud of you, Luke!
Your Devils hockey family supports you. https://t.co/A8t5whPIGa
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 19, 2021
Our #CBJ family supports you, Luke. #HockeyIsForEveryone https://t.co/A10vTzzmr9
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 19, 2021
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