Blake Bolden
NHL Scout, ESPN Analyst &
Hockey Trailblazer
Blake Bolden is a former professional hockey player, NHL scout, broadcaster, and trailblazer whose career has broken barriers both on and off the ice.
A standout defenseman at Boston College, Bolden captained the Eagles during her senior season before beginning her professional career. In 2013, she became the first Black player selected in the first round of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League Draft and went on to win the Clarkson Cup with the Boston Blades in 2015.
When the National Women’s Hockey League launched later that year, Bolden joined the Boston Pride and became the first Black player to compete in the league. She helped Boston capture the inaugural Isobel Cup championship in 2016 and was selected as an NWHL All-Star.
Bolden continued breaking barriers after her playing career. In 2020, she joined the Los Angeles Kings as a professional scout and later expanded her work with the organization as a Growth & Inclusion Specialist.
In addition to her NHL work, Bolden has built a successful broadcasting career. She joined ESPN’s NHL coverage team in 2021 and works as a reporter and analyst, contributing to game coverage and The Point. Her role has expanded to include NCAA college hockey coverage, and she has contributed to hockey coverage across several major media platforms.
Off the ice, Bolden is committed to mentorship and expanding opportunities for young athletes through her EmBolden Her Mentorship Initiative.
With experience as a championship-winning athlete, NHL scout, broadcaster, mentor, and barrier-breaker, Bolden is an engaging choice for corporate events, speaking engagements, hockey appearances, panels, charitable programs, endorsements, and other special opportunities.
Teams: Boston Blades (CWHL), Boston Pride (NWHL), Buffalo Beauts (NWHL)
