Bulbul Kartanbay: Breaking Barriers in Women's Hockey
We want to utilize all these stories to make change in the world.
Imagine moving halfway across the world to chase your dreams, only to face hurdles that test your resilience at every turn. That's the incredible story of Bulbul Kartanbay, a Kazakh ice hockey forward, who joins Brady Leavold on this episode of 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back'. Kartanbay isn't just a trailblazer for Kazakh women in hockey; she's a symbol of perseverance and passion.
From captaining Tomiris Astana to being drafted by the Boston Blades, her journey is filled with both triumphs and setbacks, including visa issues and concussions that threatened to sideline her career. Yet, her determination never wavered. Today, she's not only a player in the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) but also a coach for the Princeton Tiger Lilies and a business owner.
In their candid conversation, Leavold and Kartanbay dive into the mental health challenges athletes face, the importance of community support, and how sports can transform lives. Whether you're a hockey fan or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises a heartfelt narrative that underscores the power of grit and community.