Play it Again Sports Teams Up with National Women’s Hockey Star, Inspiring Girls Through Youth Hockey Mentorship Program

The application period is now open through August 31, 2021. Lucky winners will be selected by Bolden and Winmark and announced via email on September 10, 2021. The program will meet virtually once per month for 90 minutes and will run from October 2021 to March 2022. Discussions will include a variety of topics from mental preparation and goal setting to self-motivation and time management as well as a special guest speaker.

Bolden’s hockey journey began at age six when she got her first set of hockey gear at her local Play It Again Sports. Since then, Bolden has gone on to make history as the first Black women’s hockey player to compete in the NWHL and the second woman to ever scout in the NHL, working for the Los Angeles Kings. She also just joined ESPN’s NHL Coverage Team as an NHL reporter this upcoming fall.

“This isn’t just about me,” says Bolden. “I decided to do more and be more for those young girls who waited for me after the game. I get energy speaking to young girls and would always come away feeling inspired simply by being vulnerable with them - it changed my entire persona.

This was so important to me; I dedicated my life to it. Play It Again Sports, where I got my first set of gear, allowed me the opportunity to play this sport at a time when I wouldn’t have been able to afford new gear. I am so excited to be partnering with them on this initiative.

I have one message for kids coming up in hockey today: Be true, be you, be bold.”

Women’s hockey is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with female participation growing 34% over the last ten years. This program will support girls and young women by empowering them as they navigate the world of ice hockey, together.

“We are thrilled to partner with Blake Bolden for her inspiring mentorship program and allow the opportunity for our young customers to learn from such a role model in this sport,” says Renae Gaudette, President of Franchising at Winmark Corporation. “Play It Again Sports and Winmark are proud sponsors of this initiative and look forward to making an impact on young players’ lives.”