ALMATY, Kazakhstan - Anna Fairman of the Long Island University women's hockey team has signed a contract to play professionally for Aisulu Almaty of the European Women's Hockey League (EWHL), the team announced. Fairman, who graduated from LIU this past spring semester after three years with the program, becomes the fifth player to sign a professional contract in the program's six-year history and the second member of the 2025 graduating class along with former teammate Bri Eid.

"I couldn't be more excited for Anna as she continues her playing career at the professional level overseas," said head coach Kelly Nash. "I have no doubt that her hockey IQ and relentless work ethic that she showcased here at LIU will translate at this next level. We can't wait to follow her journey along with Aisulu Almaty and cheer her on from Long Island!"

In three seasons with the Sharks, Fairman made 95 career appearances and scored five goals with 30 assists. She joined LIU after two seasons at Robert Morris University, and in total in her five-year collegiate career played in 148 games with a career +/- rating of +43.

While serving as the team's alternate captain during her senior season in 2024-2025, Fairman was named a first-team all-conference selection after being named New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) Defender of the Week two times.

A native of Troy, Michigan, Fairman helped lead LIU to conference regular season and tournament titles in 2023, clinching the program's first-ever berth in the NCAA tournament. Fairman capped her career with a NEWHA regular season crown in 2025.

In addition to her success in the collegiate rink, Fairman also competed for Team China in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, 2022 World Championship, and 2023 World Championship.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue my hockey career with Aisulu and I'm excited to keep playing the sport I love," said Fairman. "My teammates, coaches, and staff at LIU have always pushed me to be the best player and person I can be, and their support has meant so much to me. I'll always cherish the memories and experiences I had at LIU and I'm looking forward to this next chapter."