Luke Prokop Bio
Luke Prokop is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL). Standing 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) tall and weighing around 100 kg, he was selected by the Nashville Predators, 73rd overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. In 2021, Prokop came out as gay, becoming the first player under contract with an NHL team to do so, a moment that resonated across the sport.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Prokop developed his game in the Western Hockey League and spent time across multiple AHL and ECHL affiliates. As of 2025, he is entering a new chapter with the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, on a one-year contract.
Early Life and Background
Luke Prokop was born on May 6, 2002, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. During his childhood, playing hockey was his main extracurricular focus, and he dedicated most of his time to the sport. By the time he was 12 or 13, he started to realize that he was a strong hockey player and decided he wanted to make a career out of it.
Prokop is from a family with a strong connection to hockey. His older brother, Josh, is also an ice hockey player, and the Calgary Hitmen signed Josh in September 2018. The brothers both spent time playing with Calgary before Luke was traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings. Prokop’s parents own a golf course in Edmonton, where he frequently visits.
As a young fan, Prokop became an admirer of Shea Weber, a right-handed defenceman, after watching Weber play for the Canadian men’s national ice hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He became a fan of Weber’s NHL team, the Nashville Predators, and began wearing jersey number 6 in his honour.
Path to Hockey
Prokop attended the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he trained during his development years. The Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League selected him with their first-round pick, seventh overall, in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, marking his first major step toward a professional career.
In 2018, he represented Canada at the IIHF World U18 Championships, gaining valuable international experience. The Nashville Predators selected Prokop in the third round, 73rd overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. In December 2020, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators and spent the 2020–21 season with Calgary.
Luke Prokop Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Luke Prokop began his major-junior career with the Calgary Hitmen after being selected seventh overall in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. He spent three seasons developing in the Western Hockey League, where his blend of size and skating helped him project as a future professional defenceman.
His strong play in Calgary, combined with his international experience at the 2018 World U18 Championships, helped him climb draft boards. By the time the 2020 NHL Entry Draft arrived, Prokop had established himself as one of the top defencemen in his age group.
WHL and Pro Debut (2020–2022)
After signing his entry-level contract with the Predators in December 2020, Prokop returned to the Calgary Hitmen for the 2020–21 season. He was then traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings on October 13, 2021, joining his hometown team’s WHL pipeline.
On July 19, 2021, Prokop came out as gay, becoming the first player under contract with an NHL team to do so. His decision was widely praised for its impact on LGBT representation in men’s professional hockey.
Pro and AHL Milestone (2022–2024)
Prokop opened the 2022–23 season with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. In October 2022, the Seattle Thunderbirds acquired him from Edmonton in exchange for three conditional WHL draft picks, reflecting his continued value in development leagues.
Prokop began the 2023–24 season with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL, scoring five points in nine games before earning a call-up to the Milwaukee Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the Predators. On November 17, 2023, he became the first openly gay individual to play in the American Hockey League, a major milestone for LGBT player representation. He finished the season as Atlanta’s top-scoring defenceman, with 28 points over 55 games, ranking sixth overall on the team.
Milwaukee and Bakersfield Era (2023–Present)
During the 2024–25 season, Prokop appeared in 31 games for the Milwaukee Admirals, registering 4 points. At the end of his entry-level contract with the Predators, he was released as a free agent. On August 11, 2025, he signed a one-year contract with the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, for the 2025–26 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Prokop’s game is built on his 196 cm frame and mobility, allowing him to play a physical, defence-first style while contributing offensively from the blue line. He has shown steady development in his transition game and penalty killing, and he finished as Atlanta’s top-scoring defenceman in 2023–24.
Notable Events and Milestones
Prokop’s most significant milestone came on July 19, 2021, when he came out as gay as the first player under NHL contract to do so. On November 17, 2023, he added another first by becoming the first openly gay player to compete in an AHL game. His journey from the Calgary Hitmen to the Predators organization has been closely followed for both athletic and cultural reasons.
Luke Prokop Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Luke Prokop comes from a family with a strong hockey background. His older brother, Josh Prokop, is also an ice hockey player who was signed by the Calgary Hitmen in September 2018, and the two played together in Calgary before Luke was traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Personal Life
Prokop’s parents own a golf course in Edmonton, Alberta, a place he frequently visits. He is Canadian by nationality and is openly gay, having publicly shared that part of his identity in 2021. He continues to be recognized for his contributions to LGBT visibility in men’s professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been transitional for Luke Prokop. After spending the early part of the 2024–25 season with the Milwaukee Admirals, he finished that campaign with 4 points in 31 games before becoming a free agent at the conclusion of his entry-level contract with the Predators.
On August 11, 2025, Prokop signed a one-year contract with the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, returning him closer to his hometown of Edmonton. The move to Bakersfield offers a fresh opportunity to compete for a larger role on the blue line within a new organization.
Looking ahead, Prokop will aim to build on his 2023–24 performance with Atlanta, when he finished as his team’s top-scoring defenceman. With a full AHL season ahead, his focus will be on consistency, defensive reliability, and continuing to represent LGBT athletes in professional hockey.