Roller derby comes full circle in double header is set for the Rossland Arena--Saturday night!
By Contributor
By Valerie Rossi
There will certainly be a feeling of nostalgia April 26 when roller derby will again take over the Golden City.
The second double header of West Kootenay Roller Derby league’s Season 5 returns to the Rossland Arena, where it all began when the defunct Rossland Gnarlie’s Angels met their nemeses, Salmo’s Babes of Brutality.
The Rossland Trail Roller Girls (RTRG), made up of the former Angels and Trail’s former Bad New Betties, will be looking for the hometown advantage when they take on Castlegar’s Dam City Rollers in the first bout of the night at 5 p.m.
“Playing in the Rossland Arena always has a special vibe; Whether it’s because it is where it all began or the energy of the place, it’s always a great experience,” said RTRG assistant captain Christin Davis, aka Roll N Loki.
The team has many new players this season, but don’t let that fool you, said Davis.
“We are coming together really well and are ready for the Dams — win or lose it’ll be a great game and we look forward to taking on our sister team.”
After winning their first game of the season by almost 200 points, the Dams are on a roll and ready to follow their motto “let the bodies hit the floor.” But RTRG is no stranger to hard hitters, if practice is any indication, and the team is looking to fight back.
“We are really looking forward to meeting up with our red frenemies on the 26th,” said Kristina Kruchkowski, known on the Dams as Kitty Karnage.
Last season, RTRG beat the Dams in their hood but then the Castlegar team did the same in the semi-final.
“Both our teams have strong blockers who build solid walls, agile and speedy jammers, and dedicated coaches who give so much support, which makes such a difference,” said Kruchkowski. “Whenever the Dams go up against RTRG, there is guaranteed to be heavy blocking and thunderous hits on the track.”
The second bout of the night at 7 p.m. pits the Nelson Killjoys against Valley Brutality, a temporary combined team made up of the league’s Slocan Valley Vendettas and Salmo’s Babes of Brutality. The mash up team is made up of some of the league’s strongest players but have they learned to play well together in time to take on last year’s champions?
Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the only roller derby event scheduled for Rossland this season.
The action starts at 5 p.m. Saturday April 26 at the Rossland Arena, where the night will also boast an entertaining half-time show, a beer garden, 50/50 and prizes.
RTRG will be on site at Ferraro Foods in Rossland the day prior (April 25) from 3-5 p.m. promoting the event. Come challenge one of your favourite derby girls to a plank off or arm wrestle for a chance to win one of 10 free tickets.
Get your tickets then for $10 (if there are any left) or in advance at Cedar Avenue Salon & Esthetiques or the Arlington Bar and Grill in Trail, the Flying Steamshovel General Store in Rossland or buy online at www.kootenayrollerderby.com .
Tickets cost $15 at the door and $2 for kids 12 and under.
