Roller Derby season opener pits home team against home team

Black Rock Bandits and Dead Ringers to battle it out at Anchor City Roller’s first bout of the season

by Anchor City Media

Halifax roller derby teams Black Rock Bandits and Dead Ringers took on teams from PEI's Red Rock n' Roller Derby in a double header in Charlottetown on May 17. Photo credit Andrea Crowell

Halifax roller derby teams Black Rock Bandits and Dead Ringers took on teams from PEI's Red Rock n' Roller Derby in a double header in Charlottetown on May 17. Photo credit Andrea Crowell

[Halifax, Nova Scotia] The Anchor City Rollers, Halifax’s flat-track roller derby league, are hard at work, preparing to show Halifax what they’re made of at their season opener on May 31. After emerging victorious recently against Red Rock’n Roller Derby in PEI, Halifax’s two home teams, the Black Rock Bandits and the Dead Ringers will battle it out against each other on Saturday night at Shannon Park Arena.

“It’s sure to be a close and exciting game to kick off our season,” says Andrea Crowell, President of the Anchor City Rollers. “Both teams are evenly matched with a lot of diverse skating styles and skills. It should be a really great match up!”

Now in it’s 4th season, the league is made up of about 100 members, which include new and seasoned skaters, referees, officials and volunteers. As a self-run league, members all pitch in off the track to maintain the organization, which is driven solely by volunteer time and energy.

Skaters come from a variety of athletic backgrounds; from personal trainers, fitness instructors and long-time athletes, to those who had never been on a sports team until they laced up their skates. Every new skater (affectionately called “Fresh Meat”) begins with a 12-week training program and must pass minimum skills testing before they are eligible to skate on a team. Even with the extensive rules and safety regulations in place, players know as with any contact sport, there is always the risk of injury.

“I spent last summer off-skates recovering from an injury,” says Lydia Stalingrad (a.k.a. Slam Drunk), Captain of the Dead Ringers. “I’m just looking forward to skating!”

Known for its diversity and inclusiveness, roller derby players come in all shapes and sizes; by day, they are students, lawyers, nurses, mothers, or electricians, but in skates, they become their chosen alter-ego. Some names you’ll notice on the track include “The Helligonian”, “Smackeroni and Cheese”, and “Punchie Bruiser”.

Don’t be fooled by the pun-riddled names and theatrics (true to theme, the Dead Ringers have been known to wear full skeleton face paint) – roller derby is a fast-paced, full contact sport which demands athleticism, determination, and endurance. It is the fastest growing sport in the world, and those who have attended a bout will understand why.

For Saturday’s bout, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m. – get there early to claim a seat trackside. Tickets are $12 each ($10 with a food bank donation) and are available at the door. Season passes are just $25 and available at the game or from The Cocoon Bout-ique (2179 Gottingen St., Halifax). Children 12 and under are free. For more information, check out anchorcityrollers.ca,www.facebook.com/AnchorCityRollers, or follow @AnchorCityDerby on Twitter.

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