Luke Prokop, the Edmonton-born hockey player who in 2021 became the first openly gay athlete under an NHL contract, is the subject of a new documentary exploring his groundbreaking journey and the challenges he has faced both on and off the ice.

Prokop, now 24, was drafted 73rd overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 224 pounds, the defenceman has played across multiple leagues, including the Western Hockey League (WHL), East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), and American Hockey League (AHL). Despite his professional aspirations, Prokop kept his sexual orientation private for years, acknowledging that when he was 14, he felt “a little different” from other boys on his team but feared that coming out might hinder his chances of making it to the NHL.

The documentary, titled *The Hockey Player*, offers a candid and detailed portrayal of Prokop’s experience. It is produced by Taylor Prestidge and directed by Jacqueline Doorey under the banner of Upper Canada Films. The film includes deeply personal interviews with Prokop and his family, as well as behind-the-scenes footage that captures the realities of pursuing a professional hockey career over a three-year period.

The 80-minute documentary intertwines two key themes: the difficulties encountered by any hockey prospect aiming to secure an NHL roster spot, and the additional pressures faced by Prokop as an openly gay player navigating a traditionally conservative sports environment. Prestidge described the film as an exploration of both "the highs and lows" of Prokop’s journey—balancing professional ambition with the responsibilities of being a trailblazer for inclusivity in the sport.

Prokop emphasized the impact his decision to come out publicly had on others, noting that inspiring and helping those in similar situations was a primary motivation for participating in the film. The documentary made its public debut on June 29 and is available for global streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV. In Canada, it will also be broadcast on OUTtv.

The film was recently screened for VIP audiences in San Francisco, Edmonton, and Toronto, generating discussion about the evolving culture within hockey and the broader sporting community. As Prokop continues his professional career, his story offers insight into the intersection of athletic pursuit and personal identity in a sport undergoing change.