Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out as gay: "I am no longer scared"

Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop announced Monday on social media that he's gay, saying he "couldn't be happier" with his decision to come out. 

The 19-year-old is believed to be the first active player with an NHL contract to come out, ESPN reported. Prokop, who last played with the Calgary Hitman of the Western Hockey League, revealed that he's gay in posts on Instagram and Twitter. "While the past year and a half has been crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my true self," he wrote. "I am no longer scared to hide who I am. Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay."