Date of Birth: 1952
Place of Birth: St. John’s, Nfld.
Inducted: 2001 (Athlete-Builder Category)

An extremely rewarding and successful career as a player to continued success and contributions as a coach are keynotes of Richard Babstock’s time in hockey. The St. John’s native is responsible for literally thousands of players being simply better at the game. His influence on other coaches and instructors has been instrumental in the betterment of the skills and talents displayed by players of all ages but especially these moving from minor to junior and senior hockey.

During his playing years, Babstock was a big, effective and valuable defenseman who was offered a tryout with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His on-ice performances through minor, school, junior and senior hockey was always at the all-star level and he contributed greatly to the success of the Guards and the St. John’s Capitals clubs. He added greatly to the success of any team with which he played.

Always looking to increase his knowledge and expertise within hockey, Babstock earned a wide range of top designation between 1976 and 1994 and today he is recognized as one of the best hockey coaches in Canada. His history includes more than 25 years of extremely successful coaching in midget, high school and junior hockey, mostly with players who he assisted to achieve elite status. The respect that Babstock has earned is demonstrated by his appointment as Team Atlantic coach on several occasions.

His success includes eight provincial minor championships, one Atlantic Air Canada Cup title, three provincial high school crowns and an overflow of junior “A” and “B” victories. Named Coach of the Year twice, he took the 1990 NAHA coaching award and was three times selected as the most improved junior coach. His top-level activity as an instructor goes back to Howie Meeker Hockey Schools and includes a variety of other contributions with his own hockey school established in 1975.