The NHL's first openly gay player Luke Prokop shares powerful video letter to his 15-year-old self

When Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop took that brave step earlier this year to reveal to the world that he was gay in an attempt to blaze a trail and create a safe space for other young athletes to come forward, he was met with an incredible amount of love and support from family, friends, teammates, peers and members from the broader hockey community.

While some may not have recognized how truly groundbreaking Prokop's decision was for the sport of hockey and the culture associated with today's game and the history that preceeded it, most appeared to have applauded Luke's courage and willingness to put himself out there to perhaps help someone else like him who may be struggling with their identity as well, or who may live in fear of how their situation might change if anyone found out their secret.

On Wednesday Prokop took to social media once again to build on the message that he wished to send with his original announcement, sharing a letter that he, as an adult, has written to his 15-year-old self. The video is posted below - and it is quite powerful.

Prokop's message to his younger self contained some of the very real fears that youth in his position have dealt with, holding onto their secret for so long, hiding their true identity from everyone - including those who love them most for fear of being rejected, never truly feeling safe.

The 19-year-old has once again made a profound impact in the hockey community, putting himself out there so that others like him don't feel so isolated and alone - giving them hope that they too can realize their dreams without living in fear and in silence.

Sending Luke all of the love and support from our whole team as he continues to pursue creating a truly safe and inclusive environment in a professional sport-setting, where people are not always receptive to change.

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