Luke Prokop, a Milwaukee Admirals defenseman, is no stranger to making history. This year the trailblazing defenseman added another milestone to his name as he led the 2025 Milwaukee Pride Parade as Grand Marshal.
Previously, Prokop marched in the Toronto Pride Parade. He voiced his commitment to boosting inclusion in sports and inspiring other athletes. “I want to be a leader by action, not by voice,” said Prokop. His influence made him a great candidate to be the 2025 Milwaukee Pride Parade’s Grand Marshal. He embodied this year’s parade; Remember, Resist and Rejoice–through his authenticity and perseverance.
Prokop’s journey to professional hockey began in 2020 after the Nashville Predators drafted him as the 73rd overall pick. At age 19, he publicized being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. He became the first openly gay player under a National Hockey League contract.
“I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink,” said Prokop. “I may be new to the community, but I am eager to learn about the strong and resilient people who came before me.”
On National Coming Out Day that same year, Prokop reflected on his story. He said he “wasn’t too sure” how people would react to his coming out. Still, he received overwhelming support from fans, fellow players, and the hockey community as a whole. Prokop’s impact and influence on the community was recognized in January 2022 when The Hockey News named him as one of their 100 People of Power & Influence.
Prokop discussed empowerment in an episode of The Blindsided Podcast alongside host Corey Hirsch, a former NHL goaltender, and Dr. Diane McIntosh. In the episode, he mentioned that the path to making sports progressive starts with players coming out and showing they’re part of these communities.
He took his advocacy a step further, criticizing the NHL in March 2022 after certain players refused to wear their team’s Pride Night jerseys. Prokop wrote in a statement, “I strongly believe that prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create an environment where every player feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to the game.” Other NHL-contracted players joined Prokop in advocating for inclusivity in the sport and recognizing the importance of Pride.
Prokop’s journey took him to the professional ice in the 2023-2024 season, starting with the Predators’ East Coast Hockey League affiliate, the Atlanta Gladiators. On November 16, 2023, the Predators assigned him to Milwaukee Admirals. The team’s American Hockey League affiliate. He debuted as an Admiral in November 2023, proudly wearing the number six.
In his first professional season, Prokop netted 28 points, including two goals, in 55 games with the Gladiators. Playing for the Admirals, he earned two assists, including his first AHL point with the primary assist on a power play goal.
The 2024-2025 season kept Prokop in Milwaukee. He joined the lineup for 31 regular season games and scored 4 points. After a long wait, Prokop earned his first AHL goal on against the Charlotte Checkers, just one game before the Admirals’ Pride Night.
To celebrate Pride Night, Prokop sat down with Aaron Sims, the Admirals’ play-by-play announcer to discuss his journey. In the interview, Prokop mentioned knowing “something was different” about him around age 14. He told Sims that COVID-19 brought him closer to his family, creating a space for him to be honest about who he truly was.
Although he’s only spent one full season in Milwaukee, “I’ve gotten to meet a ton of amazing people in the queer community here,” Prokop said. “Getting to know them and their stories, it’s an honor to celebrate with them and enjoy the moment. Especially at a time when we should be celebrated and celebrate ourselves.”
Prokop’s future with the Admirals remains uncertain, as a restricted free agent. The Nashville Predators organization must issue a qualifying offer to Prokop before July 1, 2025. If no offer is sent, Prokop becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
One thing that remains certain for Prokop is that he and his actions will remain an inspiration to the LGBTQIA+ community, athletes, and fans.