On February 3rd, Metropolitan Riveters forward Kelly Babstock was inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame, which comes very fitting as it was Rosie the Riveter Night for the Riveters as well. “It’s an honor to represent the indigenous community and to receive such an award as being in the American Indigenous Hall of Fame. It’s really incredible, and I’m super blessed with my whole process to get here, and I’m really excited for the future, and my mentorship program coming out and just to grow the game and have more indigenous hockey players play.” Babstock has been in the league since its inception as she’s spent time with the Connecticut Whale, Buffalo Beauts, Toronto Six, and Metropolitan Riveters, putting up 66 goals and 88 assists for 154 points in 96 games. The Ontario Native is having a solid season, as she’s put up seven goals and ten assists for 17 points in 18 games this season.
However, growing the game doesn’t end there for Babstock as she also believes in growing the game and sees the opportunity and uniqueness of playing at the American Dream Mall, “It’s definitely huge to play in American Dream, everyone loves here, we feel really appreciated and respected here, and it’s very professional here, it’s not your average barn, but it’s a great barn, and we’re happy to be here” said Babstock. Some other notable athletes in the American Indian Indigenous Hall of Fame include Jonathan Cheechoo and Victoria Bach.
