Local women redefine what being a 'hockey mom' means with Norwalk team
The term "hockey moms" usually means mothers who shuttle their kids to the rink and cheer them on from the stands. But some local women have redefined that role forming their own hockey team called Moms Who Puck.
On the first day of Women's History Month, News 12 met the moms at the SoNo Ice House in Norwalk, where they practice twice a week.
"We drop our kids off at school, and we come to the rink," said Nina Clarke, captain of Moms Who Puck.
Clarke has two kids who play hockey. She said for years she talked a big game about forming a moms team, but never did.
"It wasn't until COVID that really changed our perspective. Like what are we waiting for?" Clarke told News 12. "It made us realize, let's get out there and have fun."
Clarke and coach Kelly Babstock started the team last March. Babstock is from Ontario, Canada and spent four years playing hockey for Quinnipiac University. She currently plays with the Metropolitan Riveters in the Premiere Hockey Federation and also coaches youth hockey in Fairfield County. Babstock said she's been wanting to get moms on the ice for a while.
"Coaching them is awesome," Babstock said. "You know, it's every level. Some of them have skated before, and some of them are brand new to the sport and skating, and it's been great. They're all motivated."
"She's such an incredible role model and such an incredible hockey coach and a hockey player. She teaches all of us what we need to know," said Clarke.
The team is made up of 25 women, nearly all of them from across Fairfield County. Clarke called it a "great escape" for moms. When they hit the ice, everything else melts away.
"It's a good way for us to connect," explained Clarke. "It's all about women supporting women, right? We're all high fiving each other. We're all cheering for each other. We have each other's backs."
And that's on and off the ice.
"A lot of them never met each other before, and now we're all friends here. And that's what it's all about, being a part of a community," Babstock said.
"This team is amazing -- such amazing women," Clarke added.
Moms Who Puck is hoping to schedule their first game soon. The team is also looking to expand. All skill levels are welcome including zero experience. You can reach out to them through Instagram.

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