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Hudson Williams Thanks Jesse Kortuem on Drew Barrymore After ‘Heated Rivalry’ Inspires Player to Come Out

The on-air message underscores how the hockey drama is resonating with athletes who say it reflects their experiences.

Overview

  • Kortuem received a pre-recorded video from Williams on The Drew Barrymore Show’s January 22 episode, responding that he was overwhelmed by the support.
  • Kortuem said a pivotal on-ice moment in episode five helped him decide to share his sexuality publicly.
  • Williams has reported private messages from closeted professional athletes across hockey, football, and basketball since the series premiered.
  • Pride notes that Kortuem has competed in multiple leagues but not the NHL, which currently has no publicly out players.
  • In interviews this week, Kortuem said he hopes to educate youth programs and encourage inclusive locker-room culture so other players feel safe.