Sam on Sports: Kelly Babstock

By Sam Laskaris

NORWALK, CONN. – Kelly Babstock plans to play professional hockey for a few more years. So the 30-year-old member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory was a bit surprised to find out earlier this month that she has become a Hall of Famer.

Babstock is one of this year’s inductees into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.

If you haven’t heard of this hall of fame, it’s likely because it is only in its second year of existence. And since the hall does not have a physical facility, it is an online one.

Babstock was inducted via the Athlete category. Her biographical information, as well as details on all the other 2023 inductees and the inaugural 2022 class, can be viewed via the website, www.naiahof.org

Though her playing days are not over, Babstock’s accolade is certainly a deserving one. No doubt she is being recognized for some of her off-ice efforts as much as she is for her accomplishments on the ice.

Babstock has long been a role model for Indigenous youth, especially young female players who are hoping to follow in her footsteps, first at the collegiate level and then hopefully in the pro ranks.

Babstock’s bubbly personality, evidenced from her various social media posts, make her an individual that many young girls, especially Indigenous ones, want to emulate.

Babstock is currently playing in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) with the New Jersey-based Metropolitan Riveters.

Babstock is in her seventh season of action in the pro circuit, previously known as the National Women’s Hockey League.

She turned pro back in 2015 signing on with the Connecticut Whale. Babstock was very familiar with the southern New England state having just completed a stellar four-year collegiate career with Connecticut’s Quinnipiac University Bobcats.

Babstock remains the Bobcats’ all-time leader in goals (95), assists (108), and obviously points (203).

After spending three years with the Whale, Babstock, who grew up in Mississauga, Ont., moved on to play one year with the Buffalo Beauts.

Though she planned to continue living in Norwalk, Conn., Babstock had hoped to suit up for the pro squad closest to where she was raised. She signed a contract with the Toronto Six in 2020.

The goal was to continue operating her Connecticut hockey school and coaching teams in the state while playing for the Six, mostly on weekends. But when the COVID-9 pandemic hit, travel and quarantine restrictions made it impossible for Babstock to freely cross the border. As a result, she was traded to the Riveters.

Though she never suited up for the Six, Babstock had a career highlight in Toronto late last month.

She was selected to compete in this year’s PHF all-star game, which was held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The rink is the rebuilt Maple Leaf Gardens, one of, if not the most historic rinks in the world.

It’s rather understandable why Babstock, who played her minor hockey in the GTA, was giddy throughout the weekend all-star festivities staged in the famed arena.

What young hockey player from yesterday didn’t dream about playing a game at Maple Leaf Gardens?

Even for a Hall of Famer like Babstock, it was a big, big deal.

About the Author

Sam Laskaris is a veteran Toronto-based writer. His articles have appeared in more than 200 North American publications. His new column on Anishinabek athletes and sports events, titled Sam on Sports, will be published in Anishinabek News.