The Los Angeles Kings brought the 2025‑26 season of their Black, Silver & Bold program to a close on June 17, 2026, marking the end of a year‑long effort to open doors for under‑represented youth in hockey.
A Milestone for Inclusion in Youth Hockey
Led by inclusion specialist Blake Bolden, the initiative combined free on‑ice training with mentorship and leadership workshops, drawing 68 participants — up from 55 the previous year — and swelling the number of girls from 13 to 40, a more than 200 percent increase.
Participants benefited from coaching by Kings staff, behind‑the‑scenes access to games and facilities, and post‑game meet‑and‑greets with NHL players and industry leaders, while also taking part in community service projects such as food and toy drives.
The program’s organizers say the experience is designed to build a more inclusive pipeline for future hockey talent, and the Kings have pledged to expand its reach across Los Angeles communities.