January 5, 2011

See event photos here

Roller derby is back in Lethbridge once again with the Deathbridge Derby Dames facing the Gnarlie’s Angels from Rossland, BC’s in a bout on Jan. 15, 2011.

“Just in the last couple months since we’ve played at home, our team has changed a lot. Our endurance and skills have been brought to the next level by some of the players attending derby bootcamps and by bringing on full-time coach, Bradford Recsky” says Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild president Heather Zarichney, aka Half Pint Havoc.

Recsky, who grew up in Calgary as part of a jam-skating-family, joined the Deathbridge Derby Dames shortly after their first home game back in October. Since then, he’s brought a new outlook to the team while incorporating new skills and strategy.

“Before Brad came to us, there were a couple players who took the responsibility of running practice, which was difficult because those players were torn between being a team member and a coach,” says Zarichney. “Now, all our players can just concentrate on playing.”

While Recsky is impressed with the team’s level of skill for skating less than a year, there is still much work to be done.

“We were defeated at our last game in Medicine Hat versus the Gas City Rollers. The Dames skated hard and hit hard, but their strategic game was lacking. We need to keep our heads in the game and hit smarter, skate smarter,” says Recsky.

The Gnarlie’s Angels, who started skating together in May of 2010 will be a worthy and exciting matchup for the Dames. However, this time fans will get a bonus event.

“We are also having a rookie scrimmage during the night. This gives new skaters the opportunity to play with others within their own skill set and gives them their formal introduction into the roller derby world,” says Zarichney.

The rookie scrimmage is an invitational, meaning new skaters from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan have been invited to come play, then black team and white team rosters are made up from the rookies who attend.

“Playing in your first rookie scrimmage is a big deal. Everyone remembers their first time. Plus derby supporters, referees, coaching volunteers and officials will be coming from all over western Canada to come help out and cheer them on,” says Zarichney.

Advance tickets for this all ages, licensed event are $10 and available at Blueprint Entertainment and Steel Sass. Kids 10 and under are free. Doors open at 6 p.m., first jam whistle is at 7 p.m. at the North Pavilion of the Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds.