Blake Bolden Named To Top 40 Under 40 In Hockey List

The Athletic is highlighting some of the up-and-coming executives, coaches, scouts, agents and others in the hockey world in Hockey's 40 under 40.And at the top of the list of influential people is LA Kings Pro Scout and Growth and Inclusion Specialist Blake Bolden.
"Bolden, an All-American at Boston College, a competitor for Team USA and the first Black player in the NWHL, quickly grew her role with the Kings to include a leadership position in growth and inclusion with the Kings,"
Craig Custance wrote
. "She's a rising star in the NHL world and has already emerged as one of hockey's most important voices."
Bolden's role has evolved since she scouted her first pro game in January 2020, as she's committed to making the game more diverse and inclusive. Since January, with her help, the LA Kings have launched both the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives.

Bolden, who constantly moved as a child with her single mom, learned at an early age how to balance being in various different environments.
"Once we found this stability in hockey, that was my grasp to hold on to something that would be stagnant the rest of my life and my career. That was my anchor," Bolden said. "Once I found hockey and fell in love with it, I was just like 'Wow, this is nice. I get to go to practice, get to meet new people, I get to push myself in ways I didn't know was possible.'"

As for the future, Bolden is eager to learn as much as she can about Pro Scouting, while making a difference both inside and outside of the rink.
"I have an opportunity to make a change in the sport by being a diversity and inclusion ambassador for hockey," she said. "That's something I really want to see. I want to see Los Angeles especially be more diverse in its fanbase and its children playing in the grassroots level. I want that to trickle and spread throughout the entire nation. I want other NHL clubs to have a growth and inclusion specialist."
"I want that to be shown in every single club. This is a great position to be in and I think you'll see me a lot more in the hockey space."