Auston Matthews sends heartwarming message to LGBTQ+ hockey player
Prospect Luke Prokop faced a lot of challenges in 2021 when he decided to come out.
In the Summer of that year, Prokop became the first openly gay player under NHL contract. Obviously, there would be a mixed bag of reactions given that no fanbase is monolithic, but the reaction was acceptance.
Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews was among the first to welcome him to the NHL community.
Prokop received messages of support from Elton John, Jake DeBrusk and Matthews via text messages.
«Hey, it's Auston Matthews. I wanted to congratulate you. I look forward to sharing the ice with you someday.
A two-time champion in the WHL, Prokop was drafted in the 3rd round of the NHL draft in 2020. In 2023-2024, he mostly played in the ECHL, but has recently been called up to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, the Predators' affiliate.
As a 6'6" 220 lb shutdown defenseman with the ability to add a scoring touch to a roster if needed, Prokop has been projected as a transition/shutdown defenseman in the NHL.
Five points and two goals have been scored by Prokop through nine games in the ECHL.
Through his continued development in the AHL, he hopes to one day ascend to the NHL.
As Seen On: hockeypatrol.com
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 17 | 147 ANSWERS Auston Matthews sends heartwarming message to LGBTQ+ hockey player Do you think Luke Prokop will be an NHLer soon? | ||
| Yes | 90 | 61.2 % |
| No | 57 | 38.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
