North Andover, MA – The Islanders Hockey Club is pleased to announce that Elite Forward Mason Babbidge has committed to play his collegiate hockey for the Tufts University Jumbo’s next fall.  Mason is a 5ft 9 inch 165 pound forward who hails from Huntsville, Alabama, he will bring a strong ability to make and create plays, as he has a phenomenal hockey IQ, and Datsyuk like hands which he will add to the Tufts lineup. “He’s one of the best playmaking forward’s that I have ever coached said Elite Head Coach Tim Kyrkostas.”

“I am extremely honored and excited for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious academic university and to be able to play hockey at the NCAA collegiate level is icing on the cake. Tufts Hockey is a program on the rise. It’s a great program led by a great coach in Head Coach Pat Norton who I can’t wait to play for. I intend to do my best to help them progress even more.” Stated Mason Babbidge. Tufts are currently tied for 1st place in the NESCAC Hockey Conference with a 4-1-1 record.

I want to thank all of my coaches, family, and friends who have helped
me throughout this entire journey. In addition I would especially like to thank the Islanders organization for giving me such a great opportunity. We have a first class program here that helps players mature both on and off the ice. I cannot be more proud of my teammates and coaches here at the IHC.”

Elite Head Coach Tim Kyrkostas commented, “I couldn’t be happier for Mason and his family as they truly deserve this opportunity. I have coached Mason now going on three years and I have watched him grow and develop into one of the best all around forwards in the USPHL Elite League.

His success on the ice is a direct result from acting like a professional and caring about his craft each and every day. He loves to set up his teammates all over the ice, he takes more pride I believe in getting an assist then he does in scoring a goal.

In addition to being a great hockey player, he is an even better person who I know will represent what Head Coach Pat Norton expects out of each of his players.
I really can’t wait to watch Mason play for Tufts over the next four years. But first we must continue to work towards our goal of winning the USPHL Elite League title this season and I am expecting Mason to continue to lead our team towards achieving this goal.” Stated Kyrkostas.

Mason is currently 2nd on the Islanders Elite Team in scoring with 12G-21A- 33 PTS in 27 Games. He’s one of the key factors leading the Islanders Elite team to their impressive 26-2-0 record which currently has them sitting in first overall place in the USPHL Elite League.