A 19-year-old has made history by becoming the first openly gay professional NHL player.

Luke Prokop, who is yet to play for the Nashville Predators, but who was their third-round draft pick in 2020, came out via a statement on social media, per BBC.

In a statement, the athlete said: "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 longer scared to hide who I am.

"Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay."

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The defenceman went on: "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.

"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.

"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."

"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 comfortable today. This is just the beginning of my journey and I am excited to see where it takes me, both in hockey and life," he added.

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Sean Henry, the Nashville Predators president and chief executive, said that he is "proud" of Prokop and will "support him unequivocally in the days, weeks, and years to come".

David Poile, the president of hockey operations/general manager, added: "We understand his ability to be out comfortably will help him achieve his goals on and off the ice.

"We are committed to ensuring nothing stands in the way of his ability. His courage is an inspiration to us, and to the LGBTQ community in Nashville."

Prokop's decision to come out as gay comes after Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out in June.

Featured image credit: Alamy / Jacob Lund

19-year-old becomes first openly gay professional NHL player