Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: Blake Bolden's Mission to Grow the Game of Hockey

Blake Bolden Is Growing Hockey, One Skate at a Time

In a powerful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, trailblazer Blake Bolden joined Lee Elias and Hayley Scamurra to share her journey from youth hockey in Cleveland to becoming a professional player, NHL scout, and global ambassador for the LA Kings. Her story isn't just inspiring—it's a blueprint for how to grow the game by making it more inclusive, affordable, and accessible.

From the Cleveland Lumberjacks to the NHL

Blake's hockey journey began at six years old, sparked by a trip to a Cleveland Lumberjacks game. From playing on boys teams through her early teens to winning world championships, her path wasn't traditional—but it was relentless. Her move to California led to a chance meeting with Luke Robitaille, which opened the door to scouting and, eventually, community work that would define her next chapter.

Building Programs That Change Lives

With the LA Kings, Blake has helped create transformative programs like Bolden Girls, We Are All Kings, and Black, Silver and Bold. These initiatives provide:

• Equipment and on-ice access for underrepresented youth

• Mentorship from elite athletes

• Pathways for competitive players of color to advance in the game

Blake's work ensures that hockey isn't just for the privileged few—it's for everyone who loves it.

Making Hockey Affordable (And Fun Again)

One of the biggest barriers to playing hockey is cost. Blake knows this firsthand—her first gear came from Play It Again Sports, and she still treasures those early skates and gloves. Through partnerships with Play It Again and others, Blake and the Kings recycle gear and reduce the financial burden on families.

Her message? "Used gear is not just okay—sometimes it's better."

Blader Skates Ghana: Global Growth with a Grassroots Heart

Blake's impact goes far beyond the U.S. Her support of Blader Skates Ghana—an organization bringing ball hockey to kids in Ghana—is a testament to how deeply she believes in the global power of the game. Through donated gear and fundraising events, she's helping a dream take shape: one where kids from all over the world have access to hockey.

Representation and Resilience

As a Black woman in a predominantly white sport, Blake knows the power of representation. She encourages young girls—especially those from underrepresented communities—to own their space and "carve out their own ice." Her advice: lean on your support system, know your worth, and never let your environment limit your dreams.

She also challenges coaches, parents, and teammates to be active allies. Sometimes all it takes is speaking up when something isn't right.

Why Girls Quit—And How to Keep Them Playing

Statistics show many girls leave sports between ages 12-14. Blake's mentorship programs aim to counter this by focusing on fun, inclusion, and leadership. Her philosophy: "Girls who play sports become women who lead."

She urges multi-sport participation and less pressure to specialize too early. As she puts it: "The game should be joyful. If it's not, something's wrong."

The Road Ahead

Whether she's coaching kids, broadcasting for ESPN, or organizing global equipment drives, Blake Bolden's mission is clear: make hockey better, more inclusive, and more joyful for everyone.

Her next projects? Broadcasting with Amazon Prime and ESPN, shipping sticks to Ghana, and dreaming big about what comes next.

Key Takeaways for Parents and Coaches:

• Access matters: Recycled gear and community support make a big difference.

• Representation inspires: Show kids what’s possible by elevating diverse role models.

• Keep it fun: Joy is the #1 reason kids stay in sports.

• Speak up: Inclusion isn't passive—it takes action.

Blake Bolden reminds us that hockey is more than a game—it's a vehicle for change, connection, and growth. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when passion meets purpose.

Want to help? Support programs like Blader Skates Ghana, share this episode with your team, or consider donating used gear to a family in need.

For more inspiring stories like Blake’s, subscribe to Our Kids Play Hockey and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.