First Russian PWHL Player Ilona Markova Lands in Boston

When the PWHL's Boston Fleet announced their training camp roster, fans were pleasantly surprised to see that 7th round pick, 37th overall, Ilona Markova was heading to the United States to report for camp.

Markova is the first Russian women’s hockey player to be drafted into the PWHL. Many coaches and teams hesitated drafting her due to visa complications. Despite that, Courtney Kessel, Boston Fleet’s head coach, and general manager Danielle Marmer took a chance on Markova.

No one knew what to expect, including Markova, who was surprised that Boston took a chance and drafted her.

“It is risk," Markova said. "Because they [the league] did not know if I could get my visa. I thank them for this chance, and for this opportunity for play with the team”.

It wasn’t an easy process, but luckily the 22-year-old had people on her side.

“My agent really helped me with that, and I felt supported by my teammates too,” she said.

Markova may be the first Russian woman to be drafted into the PWHL, but she isn’t the first Russian player to come to the United States. There are currently 66 active Russian NHL players including Matvei Michkov, who Markova said is her “good friend." Michkov currently plays with the Philadelphia Flyers, and is close in age with Markova.

Another Russian player in the NHL that she looks up to is Nikita Kucherov, who plays with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“He is really a leader and has really complicated thinking about his play," Markova said. "I love it so much, because hockey is not about just speed or physicality it’s about thinking. It’s about the process and the chemistry, which is my favorite part of the game.”

The 5-foot-6 forward has played for many teams in her career in Russia. Markova represented the Russian Olympic Committee in 2021, was on the 2022 Winter Olympic roster, played with the Russian under 18 team and played in the IIHF Women’s U-18 World Championship three times.

She didn’t begin her career as a hockey player though. Markova said she did rhythmic gymnastic and figure skating growing up.

“My mom gave me a helmet one day, and I was like, ‘Oh, my God. What happened?’ I looked like a man, but then I started playing against boys and I became more interested in hockey."

After that Markova decided to stick with ice hockey and the Boston Fleet were able to get Markova to the United States Tuesday in time for their media day.

Her initial reaction to landing in Boston was that it was a “really progressive city”. She also said, “there are really positive people [in Boston], and I love the atmosphere especially the sunny days.”

Markova is going through training camp with the team and has high hopes for her future with the PWHL. PWHL Boston Fleet will announce their final season roster on November 27, 2024.

When asked about her feelings starting with this team Markova said, “I don't think about that. If I think about that, it will stress me out. I’ll think after doing these things and in the future, I will happy about it.”