Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out as gay

Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop has made NHL history, becoming the first player under contract to an NHL team to come out as gay.

The 19-year-old defenseman prospect came out in a social media post.

Prokop said, "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."

Prokop was born in Edmonton.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke to Prokop by phone.

"People, unless they can be their authentic true selves, can't be the best they can be," Commissioner Bettman said. "Anybody who is connected to the NHL, whether it's front office, whether it's coaching and player development, whether it's players, we want everybody to know that whoever you are, you have a place in our family."