Jake Sanderson, the 23-year-old defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, expressed his belief that the NHL embraces players of all sexual orientations. Speaking from Italy, where he is competing for Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics, Sanderson highlighted that openly gay players would be accepted without hesitation. He credited the LGBTQ+ hockey series Heated Rivalry for potentially encouraging confidence among viewers, even though he has not personally watched the show.
Sanderson stated,
“You never know if that show [will] instill some confidence in some people,”
during an interview with The Associated Press. He added,
“I don’t think we would treat them any differently. They’re our teammate, we love them no matter what, and obviously embrace them, absolutely.”
Luke Prokop’s Role in NHL’s LGBTQ+ Visibility
Sanderson also referred to Luke Prokop, the first NHL-contracted player to come out as gay. Prokop, who signed with the Nashville Predators, revealed his sexuality publicly in July 2021 but has yet to play an NHL game. His coming out was a significant moment for inclusivity in professional hockey.
Prokop shared in a statement on Instagram at the time,
“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.”
He added,
“Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay.”
Continuing his reflection on this journey, Prokop wrote,
“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.”
Challenges with Inclusion in the NHL
Despite progress, Prokop has publicly criticized the NHL’s struggles with full inclusion, particularly in 2023 when some players refused to wear Pride jerseys or participate in NHL Pride Nights. He expressed his disappointment via statements on social media platforms.
Regarding the setback, Prokop wrote,
“I share the disappointment in what feels like a step back for inclusion in the NHL.”
He emphasized,
“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,”
describing inclusive events as “an essential step” forward for the league.
Other Team USA Players Acknowledge the Impact of LGBTQ+ Representation
Jake Sanderson was not alone in discussing LGBTQ+ representation in the NHL during the Olympics. Zach Werenski, a 28-year-old defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, also addressed the subject. Although Werenski had not seen Heated Rivalry, he spoke positively about its contribution to hockey culture.
Werenski said,
“It’s definitely good for the sport of hockey. Whenever you can add more eyes to the game and have people talk about the game and talk about inclusivity, I think it’s just great for the sport.”
LGBTQ+ Narratives in Hockey Media Gain Attention
The acclaimed Crave series Heated Rivalry spotlights LGBTQ+ experiences in hockey, focusing on a secret romance between characters portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Williams, who plays Shane Hollander in the show, revealed in a January 2025 interview that the series has resonated deeply within the sports community.
Williams shared on Sirius XM’s Andy Cohen Live that professional athletes across hockey, football, and basketball, many still in the closet, reached out after the show’s premiere. He explained,
“Hockey players, football players, basketball players, yeah. So, then they’re reaching out to Rachel, our author, who will then kind of relay these lovely anonymous emails. And sometimes they’re just reaching out privately through, like, Instagram.”
He added,
“And those ones are the ones that really just kind of hit you and go, ‘Oh, so this is a fun show, and it’s celebratory, but also sometimes it’s just hitting people right in the nerve,’”
exhibiting the show’s ability to provide representation while addressing sensitive realities.
The Significance of Embracing Diversity in Hockey’s Future
The openness shown by Jake Sanderson and other NHL players signals a promising shift toward greater inclusivity within hockey’s traditionally conservative environment. The visibility of players like Luke Prokop and the cultural conversation sparked by shows like Heated Rivalry may encourage more athletes to live authentically and participate fully without fear.
As the NHL continues to grapple with challenges around inclusion, ongoing dialogue and support could foster a team culture that welcomes diversity with respect and understanding. For fans and players alike, this evolving landscape suggests a more accepting future for hockey on and off the ice.
— luke prokop (@lukeprokop_6) March 21, 2023
