While this is the first time the Deathbridge Derby Dames roller derby team have faced the DAMNsels of Distress, some of their members will be very familiar to the team.

“When skaters move, they often join a league in their area quickly, which is the case for DAMNsel skater Kendra Borgen, aka Elizabeth Mayhem,” says league president Heather Zarichney.

Zarichney, who plays under roller derby nickname Half Pint Havoc, says playing against a former teammate is a challenge. “Because skaters move from league to league and others sometimes borrow players to fill rosters, skaters play former teammates on a regular basis. Strategy is constantly compromised. It really keeps us on our toes.”

The Dames are hungry for a win after their defeat at the westerns tournament in June. While their national roller derby ranking has hovered around the thirties position, they are anxious to take what they learned from their losses at westerns and move on.

“We’ve been working hard and we really want to do Lethbridge proud,” says Zarichney.

The Dames will face the Foothills Roller Derby Association’s DAMNsels July 7 at Henderson Ice Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. with game time set for 7 p.m. The arena features beer gardens and plenty of trackside seating for an up-close view of the game. Tickets for this family-friendly event are $10 in advance and available through the league website and locally through Blueprint, Culture Craze, Charisma and Boarderline. Kids 10 and under are always free. This event is proudly sponsored by 94.1 CJOC, Two Guys and a Pizza Place and Lethbridge Vehicle Licensing and Registry.