Kelly Babstock’s tenure with the expansion Toronto Six turned out to be short lived.
The 28 year old Ojibwe power forward signed on May 2 with the Six before being traded on October 15 to the Metropolitan Riveters.
Babstock, who is from Mississauga, is a respected NWHL veteran who starting in the inaugural season, 2015-16, played three straight years with the Connecticut Whale before switching in 2018-19 to the Buffalo Beauts. After not playing in the league last season, Babstock is looking to make a successful return.
Known for her explosive scoring, Babstock was recognized for her dominant play when she gained a spot on the 2017 and 2018 NWHL all-star teams.
Prior to playing in the NWHL, she excelled as a youngster with the PWHL’s Toronto Aeros. The next step for Babstock came at Quinnipiac University, where she ended up shattering all kinds of records including becoming the all time leader in goals at 95, first in assist 108 and points with 203.
Meanwhile, this athlete who was recently selected to the ECAC All Decade Team, has played in her career 65 NWHL games where she has dominated to the tune of 27 goals, 60 points along with 94 penalty minutes.
In post season play Babstock has tallied four goals in seven career NWHL playoff games.
“Babs is bringing energy, experience, and a work ethic that very few of the players in this league can match,” Riveters coach Ivo Mocek said. “I definitely want to see what the former Buffalo combination with Emily Janiga would look like. Luckily, we have plenty of time to figure it out, but I already have ideas where she might fit in.”
Historically, over her 4 year NWHL career, Babcock has scorched the Riveters by scoring 15 goals and 23 points in 21 games as an opposition. According to coach Mocek, Babstock has been on the Metropolitan Riveters radar for quite some time. Only time will tell who won this blockbuster trade involving Babstock.
