Bodies will collide and hit the floor at Lethbridge’s first triple-header invitational roller derby event set for Saturday Nov. 10 at the Lethbridge Exhibition grounds.

“This is the first time we’ve hosted an event of this size,” says Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild vice president Martina Emard, aka Cherri Blaster. “We have over 80 skaters coming to play in one night and because we’re featuring all levels of roller derby, there will be something for everyone.”

Three levels of games will be featured: a women’s rookie/intermediate game at 4 p.m., a main event women’s advanced game at 6 p.m. and an all-levels co-ed game at 8 p.m. Emard says invitationals are different from events the league has hosted in the past because teams are made up of skaters from all over western Canada. “Whoever wants to play, gets to play. It’s unique to watch because the teams have to figure out quickly how to play together. Watching them improve as the game progresses is really interesting.”

The league will also be showcasing a co-ed roller derby game, a first for Lethbridge. New fans may think men have an advantage, but in roller derby size and strength often play a back seat to skill. “Watching men and women play together is really something. But each brings their own strengths and skill and everyone holds their own. It’s not often you will find a full contact sport that will allow that to happen,” says Emard.

The event is themed ‘Live Free and Skate Hard’ and will feature something for everyone, including veterans. Melissa Belter, aka Belt-her Face, says the league is offering a special discount to past and present military members who show their ID at the door.

“Veterans will receive their tickets for $5 in honour of their service to us. We will also be offering poppies for donations at the event,” says Belter. She adds tickets are available in advance to citizens for $10 or $15 at the door. “It’s a great deal for three games! You can come for one or stay for all three and kids 10 and under are free.”

The all-ages licensed event will also feature a vendor village, including two vendors who will be selling roller skate gear. “You can’t buy new skates in Lethbridge at the moment, so we’re happy two vendors from Calgary will be coming so fans can try on skates and maybe get into roller derby themselves,” says Belter. She adds with junior roller derby starting up in Lethbridge, youth sizes will also be available.

Doors will open at 3 p.m. for the first whistle of the first game at 4 p.m. The main event bout will be at 6 p.m. and the co-ed at 8 p.m. Fans are welcome to drop in to any game, as their ticket will be good for all three. Tickets are available via paypal here.

Event Details
Live Free and Skate Hard Invitational
Saturday, November 10
Lethbridge Exhibition, North Pavilion

Rookie game, 4 p.m.
Boatswains vs Naval Communicators

Main Event Advanced Game 6 p.m.
Artillery vs Infantry
*Windy City Wipeouts junior derby debut at halftime

Co-Ed game, 8 p.m.
Pilots vs Aircraft Technicians

All ages, licensed event – Kids 10 and under are free
Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Available in advance online, click here.
Also available at Boarderline, Blueprint, Culture Craze and Bert and Macs