Babstock becomes all-time leading goal scorer

 Babstock becomes all-time leading goal scorer

By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Publishing Editor

Those who elected to spend their Friday night at the TD Bank Sports Center to see the women’s ice hockey team take on Union were reward by not only seeing the Bobcats defeat the Dutchwomen 6-2, but by seeing a piece of Quinnipiac history.  Kelly Babstock (Mississauga, Ontario) scored the two goals that propelled her into the position of all-time leading goal scorer in a matter of one minute and 12-seconds.  Previous to her 13^th and 14^th goals of the season and her 43^rd and 44^th of her young career, Babstock had not scored since Jan. 7 against Harvard.

“I feel like there’s no more monkey on my back,” Babstock said.  “I didn’t think about it.  I just wanted it to happen.  I’m glad it finally did.”

Both power play goals came in the middle of the third period off of rebounds that Union keeper Shenae Lundberg could not hang on to.  The strong first line of Babstock, Nicole Kosta (Mississauga, Ontario) and Erica Uden Johansson put the pressure on the Union defense the entirety of the game, and it eventually broke through.  Kosta was credited with both of Babstock’s assists.

In the games of Babstock’s dry spell, the team posted a 2-6 overall record with only one win coming in conference play over Colgate Jan. 14.  The Bobcats also hit a season high five-game losing skid.

“We rely on her, and I know she’s been frustrated,” head coach Rick Seeley said.  “Hopefully this eases that pressure a bit, and she plays her own game.”

With Babstock back in form, the Bobcats let the scoring run wild, managing four power play goals including Babstock’s two scores. 

With 30-seconds remaining in the first period, Kate Wheeler (Oakville, Ontario) earned her sixth goal of the year on a power play. Wheeler camped out in front of the Union goal and waited for teammates Bethany Dymarczyk (Hamden, Conn.) and Jordan Elkins (Wasilla, Ala.) to set up her shot.  Even though Wheeler’s back was to the net, she received Dymarczyk’s pass and without turning around, knocked a backhanded goal right between the legs Lundberg.

The Bobcats continued their offensive pressure and again capitalized in the last moments of the period. Kosta earned her sixth goal of the season during the second frame in unique fashion, taking a shot from the backside of the Union net.  The puck hit the back of Lundberg’s leg and into the goal. 

The third period belonged to the Bobcats.  Surrounding the record-breaking minutes were goals by Uden Johansson and sophomore Amanda Colin (Burnsville, Minn.).  Regan Boulton (Brandon, Manitoba) and Babstock were credited with the assists on the first and Breann Frykas (East St. Paul, Manitoba) on the second.

In addition to the scoring frenzy, the Bobcats saw a change on the defensive end as senior Michaela Spiessl (Champion, Mich.) managed five saves and one goal allowed in her seven-and-a-half minutes of play.  Spiessl has not made an appearance between the pipes since Nov. 26, 2010.

“It wasn’t charity.  She had to come up with some good saves, and she did,” Seeley said.

The Bobcats finish up their regular season schedule tomorrow at 4 p.m. against Rensselaer.  As the post-season fast approaches, having locked in the sixth seed, Quinnipiac looks forward to the challenges of either Clarkson or St. Lawrence. 

“Well, we know we’re driving through the mountains,” Seeley said. 

Even though the ride is almost certain to be through mountainous upstate New York, if the Bobcats can keep the offensive momentum, the smiles found after the win over Union are bound to stick.