Blake Bolden

Blake Bolden is recognized for her significant contributions to hockey, breaking barriers throughout her career. She became the first Black player drafted in the first round of the Canadian Women's Hockey League and the first Black woman to compete in the National Women's Hockey League. Bolden also became the first Black woman to serve as a scout in the NHL. She played collegiate hockey at Boston College, where she was team captain as a senior, and continued her professional career in both the CWHL and NWHL. Inspired by watching U.S. Olympians win gold in the first year women competed at the Olympics, Bolden went on to represent the United States and win gold in the IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship.

Bolden's professional playing career includes a CWHL Championship and a Clarkson Cup victory. She made history as the first African-American player selected in the first round of the CWHL draft and later contributed to the Boston Pride's Isobel Cup win in the NWHL. Bolden earned recognition as an NWHL All-Star and won the fastest shot skills competition. After being cut from the U.S. women's national team and the Olympic squad, she overcame challenges and continued to advance her career in hockey operations and advocacy.

Bolden joined the Los Angeles Kings as a scout, becoming the first Black woman to scout in professional men's hockey and one of the few women in NHL scouting roles. She also served as the team's growth and inclusion specialist and participated in the NHL's Player Inclusion Coalition. Bolden collaborated with Verbero Hockey to launch her own stick line, featuring an all-black carbon fiber design with her name and inspirational slogan, "Be Bold."

Expanding into hockey broadcasting, Bolden became a commentator for ESPN's NHL coverage and a reporter for select NHL games. She is a regular contributor to "The Point," ESPN's hockey studio show, where she hosts "Breaking the Ice with Blake Bolden" segments. Bolden has also served as an analyst for "Prime Monday Night Hockey" on Amazon Prime Video and has provided coverage of NCAA College Hockey.

Beyond her on-ice and on-air roles, Bolden is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in hockey. She founded the EmBolden Her Mentorship Initiative to support young female athletes in the United States. Through mentorship and advocacy, Bolden works to increase access and exposure to hockey for youth in marginalized communities. She continues to use her platform to inspire future generations and promote inclusivity within the sport.