<p>Luke Prokop made history on Monday.</p><p>The Predators defenseman signed an entry-level contract with Nashville in December, but perhaps the bigger life event happened for him on July 19, when the 19-year-old came out as gay, becoming the NHL's first openly gay player.</p><p>Prokop posted a tweet announcing it:</p><p dir="ltr" lang="und" xml:lang="und"> </p> luke prokop (@lukeprokop_6) <p>Prokop's statement in full:</p><p>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 Dak Prescott Jersey longer scared to hide who I am.</p><p>Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay.</p><p>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. Robinson Chirinos Jersey 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.</p><p>I wouldn't be able to do this without my amazing family, friends, and agents - who have known this abut 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Thank you!</p><p>Prokop detailed his reasons for coming out with Blank Jersey The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun:</p><p>"I dont want to have to walk into the gym or to the arena or just to practice, and keep thinking, 'Who knows? Who doesn't?' This is who I am,"</p><p>"I dont think it's going to be a big topic of conversation, thats not what I want it to be. Jeff Mathis Jersey It's just, Hey, heres who I am. It gets it off my chest. So I dont have to worry and wonder about other people."</p><p>Prokop, the right-shot defenseman, is projected to be a depth defenseman at the next level. He played with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.</p><p>The NHL world offered words of support for Prokop's decision to come out:</p><p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">All of SMASHVILLE is behind you, Luke.President/CEO Sean Henry and President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile's statements >> </p> Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Statement from NHL Commi sioner Gary Bettman on Luke Prokops () decision to publicly come out as gay: </p> NHL (@ Ivan Rodriguez Jersey NHL) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">NHLPA statement from Executive Director Don Fehr in support of Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop who has shared his truth. </p> NHLPA (@NHLPA) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">im so unbelievably proud of luke prokop.i implore everyone to resist the urge to fight with homophobes on the Jon Niese Jersey tl. i get the intent, but it often just serves to platform hate. be louder with your support than they are with their hate</p> offseason cate (@csa_cate) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Congrats Thank you for your courage and trailblazing the way! </p> Amanda Ke sel (@AmandaKe sel28) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">The New York Rangers are proud of and admire his remarkable courage. We fully support him and the LGBTQ+ community. </p> New York Rangers (@NYRangers) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">We are proud of you, and will be cheering you on every step of the way! </p> PWHPA (@PWHPA)