Lethbridge will be well-represented on the junior roller derby world stage. Six players will be skating for Canada at the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) World Cup in 2020. In addition, two Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild coaches will be supporting the skaters on the bench.

“To have six skaters from our league on national rosters is an amazing accomplishment. The kids have worked hard leading to this moment. We couldn’t be prouder,” said Caroline Reimer, head coach of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild and one of the open division coaches for Team Canada.

The JRDA World Cup takes place approximately every two years. The first world cup was in 2015 with 3 nations participating. In 2018, the event featured teams from Canada, Australia, Great Britain, Europe and east/west teams from the United States. The 2020 event will see even more growth.

“Canada will be sending teams for the open division (all genders) and the female division,” said Jennifer Davis, who joins Reimer on the open division coaching staff. “It’s been an amazing experience seeing the country’s junior roller derby talent.”

Local skaters Auron Emard, age 15; Madison Moore, age 15; Jasper Davis, age 14; Shane Kress, age 13 and Abigail Reimer, age 13 will play on the open division team and Kyira Franklin, age 13 will represent Canada in the female division. Getting through tryouts was only the first step. Skaters must now commit to attending national practices as well as training with their home league.

“I’m looking forward to the next nine months. I’m so glad I can share the world cup experience with some of my teammates and coaches,” said Auron Emard, who skates under the roller derby nickname, TNT.

The Canadian teams will also have home track advantage. The 2020 JRDA World Cup will be hosted in Regina next August.

“I never expected I would represent Canada when I started roller derby six years ago,” said Kyira Franklin, aka Clawless. “I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.”

Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on a flat, oval track. Teams earn and protect points by blocking opposing skaters with their bodies. The Lethbridge junior roller derby program started in 2012 and has three levels, identified by the amount of game-play contact. For more information about the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild, please visit www.lethbridgerollerderby.ca.