"Follow your heart! Dreams come true!" - Fanuza Kadirova shares her childhood memories and hockey dreams.
- Daria Mironova
- Oct 23
- 4 min read
In October, the PWHL announced its new regular-season schedule, which begins on Nov. 21. Each of the eight teams will play 30 games.
The third season will be unusual for several reasons: the Winter Olympics break in Milan, an increased number of games, and the league's first Russian players.
In June, the Ottawa Charge drafted and signed forwards Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova, who already have established, successful careers in Russia and on the international stage. Due to Russia's ongoing ban from all IIHF events, players can't represent their national teams, showcase their skills, or connect with scouts. Luckily, the PWHL gives hope and opportunities to dreamers.
Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova talked to Daria Mironova of the Hockey on the Beach podcast. Anna's interview was published earlier. Now let's meet Fanuza.
Fanuza Kadirova
Sardek-Bash, Tatarstan
WHL career
319 games, 183 goals, 210 assists
36 playoff games, 15 goals, 31 assists
2016 World Championship - bronze
2017 Universiade - gold
2025 NHL Entry Draft, 6th round, 45th overall pick
Fanuza Kadirova, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Women's World Championship, began skating at age five in her home village in Tatarstan. Thanks to the hard work and creativity of her father, an athlete and coach, Fakhim Kadirov, a rink was built in the area.
About her childhood
You have a huge family. Are you the only one who plays hockey?
— No, my brother Bulat played in the MHL and VHL. My sister plays. And my youngest brother is a soccer player.
Why did you choose hockey specifically? Did your parents support you?
— Actually, it's a fascinating story. My dad built, you could say, a hockey rink in our village with his own hands. It was made of wood. He cut it, measured it, and did everything by hand... And I grew up there, taking my first steps. My dad is a master of sports in wrestling. He's 55, and he still runs there and plays hockey with veterans; he's a real fan.
When I was five or six, I put on skates for the first time. My brother and I were in a similar situation: we started out wrestling, then switched to hockey.
About the draft
How did you know that you were ready to go to the PWHL draft?
— Well, I thought, time is running out, I'd like to try something, as they say, bigger. I knew that this league had only recently been created. I've wanted to play in Canada or the USA for a long time. I wrote about it in my diary about 10 years ago. One day, I realized I wanted to send my resume. I did it. I'm so happy to have been chosen.
How did your family react to the news of the draft, and then the contract?
— If I start with those closest to me, they didn't quite believe it. I told them that I'm leaving, I'm trying it out, and they were like, "Yeah, right, let's do it." As if it were all just talk, a joke. And now they're shocked; it turns out it's all serious. It's on paper.
How are your English and French?
— French is definitely a zero, but I started learning English in the spring. I'm hoping for the best, and, of course, I'm nervous— it worries me a little. Everyone on the team writes in the group. You read it yourself, try to understand, and then you copy and translate. I regret a little that I didn't learn the language earlier, but now life forces me to.
We already know that you'll be with Anya Shokhina in Ottawa, but how did you end up drafted by the same club?
-Accidentally, of course! About three or four years ago, she visited me in St. Petersburg, stopped by for some tea talk during the season. She was playing for Tornado at the time, as far as I remember. We talked about how great it would be to move and play overseas together. And just imagine, time goes by, and without telling each other, we both end up in the draft and get picked by the same club.
It sounds like you're simply living your dream! What would you wish for yourself before the start of the season?
-My wish is to never give up on myself. Not to lose that feeling, try to play in the best league and on the Russian national team for as long as possible, enjoy these moments more, and live without any doubts or fears. I also hope our national teams will start competing internationally again. Follow your heart! Dreams do come true!
Fanuza isn't just a great athlete, but also a person with a broad vision. Off the ice, she managed to master another profession and try her hand at management. More details in the podcast episode, but for now, let's talk about dreams.
The full interview is available on the "Hockey on the Beach" audio podcast with Daria Mironova.
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