Five years ago, Luke Prokop made history by becoming the first openly gay player under contract with an NHL team — a milestone that instantly put him in the spotlight and placed the weight of representing an entire community on his shoulders.
That burden, he says, hasn’t gotten any lighter.
Prokop was just 19 years old when he came out publicly. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2020, he has since fielded a constant stream of questions about LGBTQ+ inclusion in ice hockey, while also making himself available to those who reach out for guidance and support.
“I guess in terms of dealing with those issues, it’s kind of lonely because I am the only one that a lot of people will come and speak to about it,” the now 24-year-old told Reuters. “Because no one else is out in the men’s game.”
That sense of isolation — alongside the broader challenges of chasing a professional career — is at the heart of a new documentary titled “The Hockey Player.” The film tracks the Canadian athlete’s life as he navigates a sport widely regarded as deeply traditional and often described as an old boys’ club.
Despite some early reluctance, Prokop said his desire to connect with others who might see themselves in his story ultimately convinced him to participate in the years-long filming process.
“I’ve said before that if I could help one person in the world with my story, then I’ve done my job, so hopefully it just resonates with a lot of people,” said Prokop, a free agent who most recently suited up for the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League.
“I could take a few more cameras in the face if I need to help more,” he added.
SHIFTING CULTURE IN THE SPORT
The road hasn’t been without controversy. In June 2023, the NHL prohibited teams from wearing special jerseys during warmups, practices, or games on themed nights after multiple players declined to wear Pride-themed uniforms, with some pointing to religious convictions as their reason. The league also banned the use of colored stick tape during those same events.
Many viewed the policy as a step in the wrong direction, though the stick tape restriction was lifted in October 2023. Prokop believes the sport is now trending toward greater acceptance.
He cited the popularity of the HBO series “Heated Rivalry” — which centers on a romantic relationship between two gay ice hockey players — as evidence of changing attitudes.
“(The NHL) kind of had to accept it because there were so many new fans that were coming in because of the show,” Prokop said. “And it was now a responsibility of the teams to provide an open and welcoming environment for fans, for future players.”
Even so, no openly gay player currently competes in the NHL. Prokop said that doesn’t entirely shock him. While the outpouring of support he received in 2021 might encourage other athletes to consider coming out, he acknowledged that the intense attention that follows can be a lot to handle.
“Some players would rather just kind of have a close circle of people that knew and kind of live their lives that way,” he said.
For his part, Prokop said he has no regrets about stepping into the public role he now holds.
“It’s something that I chose to deal with, chose to tackle, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said of his decision to come out. “I think being able to stand up for my community is a privilege and an honour, and I want to always make sure I’m doing it right by them.”
“The Hockey Player,” presented in partnership with OUTtv, is currently available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon Prime Video, with a broader release on OUTtv planned for later this year.
