fierce competitionA Canadian TV series featuring gay hockey players has emerged as a surprise hit for HBO Max. Viewership reached 10.6 million, making it the highest scripted and acquired series for HBO Max.
The show was also a surprise for Luke Prokop, a third-round pick of the Nashville Predators in 2020. Prokop, the first openly gay player to appear in an AHL game in 2023, said he was hesitant to watch the series at first.
“I was living in this reality and I didn’t want other people to think I was that person,” Prokop told Joe Smith of The Athletic. “And that made me a little scared to watch the show. I got so many questions about it.”
More: NHL analyst picks $1.95 billion franchise as favorite to win Stanley Cup
Smith, a senior NHL reporter, interviewed Prokop. fierce competitionA new documentary about his career and Prokop’s experiences.
On Monday, producers announced a June documentary on Prokop’s career. hockey player. Amazon Prime and Apple TV stream the documentary. In Canada it airs on OUTtv.
Prokop, a 6-foot-6, 224-pound defenseman, plays for the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. He has 3 goals and 5 assists in 37 games. Prokop, 23, has yet to play an NHL game.
He came out in 2021 while playing in the WHL. “I haven’t had any bad reactions from family or friends,” he told Smith. “No one banished me from their lives. Everything was very positive.”
Prokop has a boyfriend, Charlie. I live in Saskatchewan. He told Smith he was surprised no other hockey player came forward at the NHL or lower level.
Prokop finally watched. fierce competitionThe first season concluded on December 26th. He was impressed, saying the show was “worth the hype” and “great for hockey.”
— Enjoy The Big Lead’s top news and popular stories for free. —
NFL: 2026 NFL free agency’s biggest Day 1 winners
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: Randy Arozarena criticizes Cal Raleigh for refusing to shake his hand at the WBC.
MARCH MADNESS: Beat 5 Cinderella Team Brackets in March Madness 2026
NBA: Adam Silver sends message after canceling Hawks’ Magic Monday promotion
Paralympic Games: 2026 Winter Paralympics medal tally rankings entering March 10
Virus: Wasserman Agency Cancels Disgraced Founder, Reveals New Name
