Openly Gay NHL Prospect Luke Prokop Calls Out Lack of 'Inclusion' After Players Boycott Pride Night

The Nashville Predators player spoke out after an NHL goaltender refused to wear a pride jersey

Luke Prokop is calling out the lack of "inclusion" among NHL players after multiple have refused to take part in their teams' pride nights.

20-year-old Prokop, the first openly gay player with a contract under the NHL, penned a thoughtful message about players in the league who have opposed wearing pride jerseys or using rainbow stick tape during their teams' annual pride events.

"I share the disappointment in what feels like a step back for inclusion in the NHL," Prokop wrote and shared on Twitter.

The Nashville Predators prospect said the pride nights and jerseys "play an important role in promoting respect and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community," and the lack of enthusiasm around the league is "disheartening."

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Related:Nashville Predators Prospect Luke Prokop Comes Out as Gay, Making NHL History: 'I Am Proud'

Prokop noted that "the focus" of the league's initiative to grow advocacy has "become about the players who aren't participating rather than the meaning of the night itself."

"Everyone is entitled to their own set of beliefs but I think it's important to recognize the difference between endorsing a community and respecting individuals within it," Prokop continued, adding that the pride nights "are an essential step" for the league.

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