Kelly Babstock Bio
Kelly Babstock (born August 4, 1992) is a Canadian-American ice hockey player for the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She has Ojibway roots and is originally from Little Current on Manitoulin Island, part of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Babstock played college ice hockey with the Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s ice hockey program and remains the top goal, assist, and point scorer in the program’s history. She was the first Canadian-born player to score a goal in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF; called the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) during 2014 to 2021) and went on to play a total of seven seasons in the league before it was dissolved in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Kelly Babstock was born in Little Current, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a family that valued sports, with her mother, Donna, being Ojibwe from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and her father, David, hailing from Newfoundland. Babstock is the third eldest of six siblings, which includes one older sister, two younger sisters, and two brothers. Her eldest brother, Jeff Shattler, played professional box lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League and serves as the Director of Player Development for the Fighting Sioux lacrosse program of Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. Babstock attended Port Credit Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, where she excelled in ice hockey and lacrosse, becoming the leading scorer in both sports during her time there.
Path to Hockey
Babstock’s junior ice hockey career began with the Toronto Jr. Aeros in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). During the 2009–10 season, she helped her team win the gold medal and League Cup, registering an impressive 25 goals and 35 assists during the regular season, along with nine goals and four assists in the playoffs. Following her successful junior career, she joined the Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s ice hockey team from 2010 to 2014, where she made a significant impact. In her freshman season, she recorded 59 points in 37 games, and over her four years, she amassed a total of 95 goals and 108 assists, totaling 203 points in 148 games. Babstock’s remarkable performance included becoming the first player in Quinnipiac history to record two hat-tricks in a single season and leading the NCAA in goals and points during her early career.
Kelly Babstock Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Babstock’s professional career began in 2015 when she competed in the inaugural game for the Connecticut Whale, scoring a goal in a 4–1 victory against the New York Riveters. This goal marked her as the first Canadian-born player to score in NWHL regular season play. She was selected as a media pick to participate in the 2017 NWHL All-Star Game and continued to demonstrate her skills in subsequent seasons. In June 2018, she signed with the Buffalo Beauts, where she contributed ten points in sixteen games during the 2018–19 NWHL season.
Breakthrough (2015–2023)
Babstock’s career saw significant milestones, including her participation in multiple All-Star Games and her leadership in penalty minutes during the 2021–22 PHF season. In the 2022–23 PHF season, she tied for the points lead on her team, scoring 21 points in 24 regular season games, her best total since her rookie season. She was selected to represent Team Canada in the 2023 PHF All-Star Game, marking her third All-Star appearance. In 2023, she joined the Boston Fleet, where she has continued to showcase her talent on the ice.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kelly Babstock has set numerous records and achieved significant milestones. She remains the all-time leading scorer for the Quinnipiac Bobcats and has been recognized for her contributions to women’s hockey, including her historic goal as the first Canadian-born player in the NWHL.
Kelly Babstock Award Nominations
Kelly Babstock has been nominated for various awards throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the sport and her performance on the ice.
Kelly Babstock Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Babstock’s achievements in college and professional hockey highlight her skill and dedication to the sport.
Kelly Babstock Family
Kelly Babstock comes from a large family, being the third eldest of six siblings. Her family background includes a strong connection to sports, with her brother, Jeff Shattler, having a notable career in professional lacrosse.
Personal Life
Babstock is a Canadian citizen by birth and gained American dual citizenship in 2019. She pursued American citizenship to establish her post-college life in the United States, facilitated by her Native American status. Babstock’s personal life reflects her commitment to her heritage and her career in sports.