Oil Kings Trade Luke Prokop’s WHL Rights to Seattle
October 25, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Edmonton Oil Kings News Release
Edmonton, AB – The Edmonton Oil Kings have traded the WHL rights of 2002-born defenceman Luke Prokop to the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for three conditional WHL Prospects Draft picks, the team announced today.
If Prokop is returned to the WHL by the Nashville Predators, the Oil Kings would receive Seattle’s 2025 first-round pick and 2023 third-round pick, along with a 2025 third-round pick (via Regina).
“The Edmonton Oil Kings would like to thank Luke Prokop for all his contributions to the Oil Kings organization over the past season,” said Oil Kings President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kirt Hill. “Luke was a huge part of our team winning the WHL Championship last season and had a had a huge impact with his involvement in the community not only throughout the City of Edmonton but throughout the world of sport.
This deal will give Luke the opportunity to join one of the top teams in the WHL this season and potentially go on another long playoff run if he happens to be sent back from pro hockey. Luke will forever be a part of the Oil Kings family and will remain a huge part of the community in Edmonton.”
Prokop, 20, joined the Oil Kings last season following a trade from the Calgary Hitmen on October 13, 2021.
Last season saw the Edmonton, AB product have a career year as he suited up in 55 regular season games with the Oil Kings and put up 33 points (10G, 23A), a +38 plus/minus rating and 34 penalty minutes.
He was instrumental in helping the Oil Kings hoist their third Ed Chynoweth Cup in modern franchise history after tallying 16 points (4G, 12A) during last year’s WHL Playoffs, leading the WHL Championship Series in scoring with six points (2G, 4A) and leading the entire WHL Playoffs in plus/minus with a +23 rating.
“Playing at home in Edmonton and winning a championship was a dream come true,” said Prokop. “Thank you to the organization and my teammates for making it the best year of hockey in my life.”
Off the ice, his contributions were even greater, not just to the Edmonton community, but as the first openly gay hockey player signed to an NHL contract, he became a trailblazer in sport for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Over the past 14 months, he has done countless interviews to represent the LGBTQ2S+ community, and to share his story of coming out in the hockey community. He responds to online requests for support everyday and has continued to educate himself on how to best support those in need. Last season, he worked very closely with the Oil Kings in the development of the team’s first ever Pride Day game.
In addition, he is an advocate for the Kids Help Phone, donating $10 for every shot on goal he recorded last season, ensuring the program can continue to support youth in their time of need. Thanks to donation matching from the Oil Kings, in partnership with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, the Nashville Predators and plenty of friends and family, he helped raise more than $12,000 for Kids Help Phone.
For his work, he was named the 2021-22 CHL Humanitarian of the Year.
Prokop is currently playing for the Nashville Predators ECHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.
The Oil Kings would like to thank Luke for his contributions both on and off the ice and wish him nothing but success in his future.
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