When one hears the words Roller Derby, their memories may drift back to days gone by, but in fact roller derby is alive and gaining popularity again.
A newly formed women’s team called the East Side Wheelers which serves the East Calgary-Chestermere- Rockyview areas, had their debut home game against the Lady Macs from Canmore on Saturday September 7. It was everything you would expect roller derby to be – and more.
This family friendly event held at the Pete Knight Arena in Crossfield showcased the unique culture of derby today.
“Roller Derby has seen many changes from the old school 70’s style derby” says Alison Murdock, aka GaAli Wench, whose role is to offer support for the young team. “There are no fights, no clotheslines, but there are well seasoned athletes in 8 wheels with the drive to score points.”
Murdock promised this bout would hold some heavy hitting and proud bruising and she was certainly correct on that point. During the first 20 minutes of the game, the volunteer medical teams on hand were required to assist injured players on the track three separate times. Fortunately, injuries were only minor but it shows that this is a competitive, high intensity, cardio pumping sport.
Still, the camaraderie between these players is evident as there were plenty of smiles and laughs all around. “The best thing about roller derby is any emotions and feelings are kept strictly on the track” says Murdock and then she added “I am truly in the best shape of my life.”
Both teams played hard but in the end the Canmore Lady Macs took the victory with a final score of 230-138.
Roller Derby consists of two teams of four blockers and one jammer who is the point scorer. The match begins with the blockers skating out in a tight formation identified as the pack and the jammers must battle their way through, gaining points along the way by lapping the opposing teams players.
The Wheelers hold practices once a week out of the Indus arena and have 14 women on the roster. After their first game in August, they were ranked 70th overall in Canada.
The local team would like to find a corporate sponsor so that they may gain international exposure by attending a tournament in California this December. Currently the group fundraises for things like uniforms, practice space, tournaments and insurance; all of which adds up quickly for the players.
This group of ladies is coached by Fred “Demolition Herbie” Falcao, and is privately run by a corporation made up of a Board of Directors.
To follow the East Side Wheelers Women’s Roller Derby team or to contact them you may email inquiries to: eswindus@gmail.com.
