Photo by Alex Tabor

Bout season is here!

We’ve spent the off-season recruiting some wickedly-talented new skaters, adjusting our strategies to take advantage of some new rule changes, and working hard to make our second season even more exciting for our incredible fans.

And our first bout is just around the corner! The Charlottetown Moonshine Maidens will take on the Summerside Twisted Sisters May 25 at Cody Banks Arena in Charlottetown. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the action begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $6 or $5 if you bring an item for the food bank. Our bouts are family-friendly so children 12 and under get in for free. There will be snacks, merchandise, 50/50 tickets and a licensed area. Bring a folding chair if you want to sit closer to the action.

See you at the track!

M’aidez! May Day! eMMa mAe !
She is a killer blocker, our Sponsorship Director, skates for the Twisted Sisters (Travel Team roster candidate!), and has a smile that melts your heart. Watch our lil sweety turn her opponents sour, she’s eMMa mAe!

Dedicated to the league since its beginnings, this enthusiastic skater has been team captain for the Moonshine Maidens, pivot on the travel team, sits on multiple committees, and hits you harder than the HST! She’s always looking out for her girls, is an amazing friend, and there’s no question why we affectionately call her “Ma”! April is yours, Rox ‘N Rolls!

AB: Congratulations, Roxy! How good does it feel to kickstart spring as DGotM?
RR: This is so exciting for me. I am so honoured,  As there are many other wonderful people out there that deserve this honour.  I see this as a new beginning is all aspects of my life.  This may just be the start of bigger and better things to come.

AB: This is a busy time for us as we get ready for travel team tryouts and team placement. What are your goals for the 2013 season?
RR: My goals for 2013 is to up my game this year and play fantastic, (and to the best of my abilities) best games that I can.

AB: You are a force on the track and really know how to play the game… Any chance we will see you jam more this year?
RR: I have tried jamming a few times, where as I have really been paying attention to the jammers of games that I have watched, and took some mental notes.  I think I would like to maybe jam only on a house league, as we have the most fantastic jammers already which will definitely make the travel team.

AB: What is your favourite thing about roller derby?
RR:  I have two favourite things about derby, one being all the friends and close relationships I have built through the few years of playing derby, which I consider my family.  And the other thing is playing derby, I never get nervous before a game as I just cant wait to play.  It is one of the best games to play to help relieve stress, exercise and push yourself to the limit.  You feel so satisfied after a practice, or game.  It’s not all about winning, as it is to have so much fun.

AB: Do you have any embarrassing derby moments?
RR: There is noting that I can think of as embarrassing, as not much embarrasses me. lol

AB: What is one derby thing you could never live without?
RR: I honestly can only say that the only thing I couldn’t live without, is being a part of this wonderful league of people on or off of skates.

AB: Who is your inspiration on the track?
RR:  Well I’m glad you asked that, my inspiration on the track is Annie Biotix, that reason being, as Annie took a fall and received a concussion,  and to see her come back to the track with the outlook of not being scared and stepping it up and playing to her full potential, was amazing.  I have fears as well on the track, and I just think of her as my inspiration and say “I can do this”.

AB: It’s obvious that you didn’t start roller skating 2 years ago when the league started; how long have you been skating for?
RR: I have skated when Skate Country was here years ago, and it was a twice a week outing for me to go skate.  When they closed, I always said that if I ever get a chance to put skates on again, then I’m there.  Wish it was a lot sooner than now, as I’m getting older and probably will not have as many years as I would like to play as a lot of the girls.  So with that being said, when I cant play anymore, I will be involved one way or another.

AB: You have helped me, personally, with so many skating skills in the past couple years, is there any skill that you feel you need to work on this year?RR: This year, I feel that I really have to trust my feet.  With that being said, stop fearing of getting hurt, and yes jump around a lot on that track.  Also, work more on my blocking skills.  Use that butt of mine more.

AB: Last season, you played on the Moonshine Maidens and the All-Stars Travel Team. Both teams had 2 different vibes, what is one thing you loved about each team?
RR: Well, there is nothing specific about each team, but when you play on both teams, you have to learn to work with different gals on the track each line is usually different, and that can be challenging, but yet I just love it.  I am a person who loves change.

Thanks for the photo, Chelsea Ling. Check out Roxy’s page here!

She is a jammer, blocker, board member, skater on 2 teams, sh!t disturber, and scientist! We simply couldn’t resist her charms any more and thought we would share our very own Jessica Rabid with the derby world!

AB: It’s official, you are extraordinary! Congratulations, Jessica Rabid, March belongs to you!
JR: Wow! I’m totally honoured to be DGotM. I always look forward to seeing the announcement each month, and am so impressed at how many outstanding gals and guys there are in our league.

AB: You are very involved in our league as a skater and board member, what are your goals for this upcoming season?
JR: Sure am- I’ve done a stint as Board Secretary, am presently the VP, and I’m also the Assistant Captain for the travel team. My goals for the upcoming year are mainly skills-based. Some advice we got from derby guru Bonnie D’Stroir last season was about how easy it is to plateau with your skills. It feels awesome to do the stuff you’re good at, and it feels crappy to do the stuff that you haven’t mastered yet. That’s the stuff you have to push at, the crappy stuff. Specifically, I plan to rock at agility this season, and to increase my endurance. I also resolved to stop relying on my crash pad shorts…. have you seen my bum lately!?

AB: So, I hear you’re into Science, yes?
JR: You know it! I used be in forensics and am now completing my doctorate in neuroscience, so I definitely stick to the most kick-ass sciences. My sweet derby wife recently hooked me up with a neat pair of SCIENCE derby socks!

AB: We have seen you jam and block. What is your favourite position on the track?
JR: I think it changes from game to game. When blocking, I get to try many different skills and I find that I get more of a chance to enjoy each jam. Then again, as a jammer, nothing beats the feeling of sneaking and pushing through that pack. When jamming, I always give full props to my blocking line- they do most of the hard work making holes– I try my best to use them!

AB: What is the one piece of gear you could never live without?
JR: I’ve been rocking the super versatile Rollergirl Boom wheels, which are ultra thin, super light, and perfect for concrete, as well as the rubber gymnasium quicksand floor. Who knew?!

AB: We recently played Fredericton’s Daisy Cutters in Moncton, New Brunswick. What was your greatest lesson learned or A-Ha moment in that game?
JR: Considering it was our first game in six months, it was pretty awesome to try out some of the new strategies we’ve been working on. I won’t say which ones I found especially ‘A-Ha!’… we’ll keep those as RRnRD trade secrets.

AB: Who is your greatest inspiration on the track?
JR: I’m inspired by the whole derby culture- the fact that skaters and coaches from all over Canada have come to mentor us in PEI, just out of love of the sport. Keeping it close to home, I could honestly name something that inspires me both on- and off-track about every one of my teammates; I can’t pick just one!

AB: What is your favourite part of roller derby?
JR: It never fails to amaze me what a diverse circle of friends I have since joining derby. It really does bring together a complete mix of personalities, and it’s pretty cool to hang with so many different kinds of people.

AB: Have you ever had any major embarrassments on a game?
JR: I hope not! Are you thinking of one? Have I mentally blocked it? Well, let’s keep it that way.

AB: Our current Fresh Meat will soon enter the elusive roller derby world; If you could offer them any advice or encouragement, what would it be?
JR: Don’t be afraid to fall, always have your derby sister’s back (and trust that she has yours), and enjoy every single minute of it. You won’t regret it!

Check out Jessica Rabid’s bio page here! Thanks to Kevin Molyneaux for the wicked photo!

This past weekend, we travelled to Moncton to play Fredericton’s Daisy Cutters for our 1st bout of 2013. While our losing score of 302-117 seems to suggest otherwise, I will have you know we put up a good, hard fight. Coming out of our 4 month off season, that was a great start. Fredericton’s skaters are really cool ladies and we can all agree it was awesome to finally play them!

Here are a couple photos from the night. Many thanks to Richard Lafortune for allowing us the privilege to share them with you all.

Monday, February 18th is Islander Day here in PEI. There will NOT be practice in Summerside (to observe the holiday) and it is rescheduled for Tuesday (Feb 19th) this week only.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday!

photo: Roy Crawford / edited by Vandana Shove’Her ;)

Tis the season of love.  And when I say season, I mean day.  Valentines Day.   A day to recognize and appreciate the value of ones partner along the journey of life (or the day or week, whatever you’re up to as Feb. 14^th rolls around).  What better time than to address the important value of derby spouses.

First let me get a personal annoyance of mine out of the way.  The common term “derby widow” is applied to the ‘real-life’partner of the person involved in derby.  Stereotypically and a significant majority of the time this is referring to a female skater and her significant other who does not play derby.  When the significant other is a husband/boyfriend (ie. the male variety), should it not be “derby widower”?  I don’t know whether it’s because the derby community is a bit androgynous in its overall look on life and feels no need to stick to clearly defined gender roles and ‘widow’ is easier to say than ‘widower’ or if it’s sometime deeper than that?  Either way, my husband, without whom I could ever have joined or continue on this amazing derby path, deserves to know that I consider him far more than just my derby widower.  He is, in fact, the knee pads that cushion me when I fall and the toe stops that allow me quick take off when I need it.  He is the booty shorts that support me and make me feel as good as he sees me.  For my derby widower, I am forever completely and utterly content.

The term’ derby wife’ however, holds little ambiguity in its meaning for those within the community although it holds many variations for those who enjoy its benefits.  Simply put, a good derby wife should first and foremost be the support that continues to stoke the fire in your derby belly.  When it begins to dwindle under whatever pressures may be weighing on you (injury, work, league stuff, etc.) they are the ones who encourage you to take care of yourself, but also remind you of the reasons you fell in love with derby to begin with.  If your wife can do that in a way that is effective for you individually, then everything else is a bonus. Thankfully I am blessed with many derby wife bonuses.

My derby wife:

• is the mirror in the changeroom where I put on my fake lashes and give myself a pep talk.  She is in the reflection looking back that tells me I CAN do it and WILL do it.
• is that rare satisfying penalty I get when I know I’ve taken one for the benefit of the team.  She gives me time to reflect, improve and regroup.
• is the bridge, on the track and in my life.  When I’ve strayed ahead, she is the link that tells me when I’ve gone too far and pulls me back, but is also the one who makes it possible for me succeed, outside of the comfort zone.
• is the first breath of fresh air out of an especially smelly practice, the reminder of the outside world and how much sweeter it is because there is derby to return to.
• is the pivot panty I look to for direction and to guide me when I’m not clear.
• is the rip in my tights after a tussle with the concrete, the bruise from a rogue wheel; a reminder that I am not invincible but also tougher than I thought.
• is that never-ending transition drill that makes me terrified and crazy, but oh so much better.
• is the after party celebration, win or lose.
• is the burning feeling from a minute-long squat or plank, the physical indicator that with her I will go farther than without.

Because the sport of derby, in these early heady days, knows that like in life, everyone needs someone to get them through the rough patches (like too many derby metaphors) and to celebrate the triumphs (like achieving the perfect victory colour combo of socks/tights/jersey/eye make-up).

Happy (Derby) Love Day!

Looks like the school is closing due to weather so Fresh Meat practice is CANCELLED this evening. :(

Summerside practice is CANCELLED tonight. Enjoy your Snow Day!

While you can surely expect to see her on the track in 2013, you may recognize this feisty ref as one of our original members of Team Zebra… the TARDIS Queen is a big deal here at RRRD HQ and we’re proud to show her off a lil!

AB: Congratulation, TARDIS Queen on becoming our February DGotM! You do so much for our league…and we noticed! Feelin’ it?
TQ: Absolutely! I was very surprised. But also incredibly happy. Our league is full of amazing women and men. To be recognized by them as DGoTM is encouraging and reaffirming.

AB: What brought you to roller derby?
TQ: I had heard about the sport while living in New Brunswick and thought it was something I could see myself doing. But I didn’t follow through with it. Although in my mind I saw myself as an adventurous person, I think in reality I had turned into a bit of a bore. When I found out about the league here, I figured it was time to stop talking/thinking about things I wanted to be involved in and actually get out and do it.

AB: Dude! That name! How did you choose it?
TQ: Ha! I think it was Kev-Bot’s suggestion. I’m a big Doctor Who fan. And the TARDIS can travel through time and space– who doesn’t want to do that – and always takes the Doctor to where he needs to go, even if it’s not where he wants to go. It’s also bigger on the inside than the outside. That reminds me that it’s a skater’s inner strength that can really pack a punch!  (I’m still not 100 per cent sure about it, though).

AB: You joined our Fresh Meat program in 2012 and became one of our first referees. What do you have planned for the 2013 season?
TQ: I really enjoyed refereeing this past summer. And I’ll be hanging on to my whistle if Kev-Bot ever needs an extra ref at a bout. But I would love to be lacing up for one of the league teams this season. It’s exciting just to type that!

AB: To date, what has been one of you favourite roller moments or adventures?
TQ: I would have to say walking into fresh meat that first night. It was exciting and nerve-wracking and it introduced me to a bunch of great people. Looking back, signing up was a great decision.

AB: Now that you have been skating for over a year, what advice can you offer to our newest skaters?
TQ: Remember to take the time to reflect on a skill you’ve improved or think about how the little improvements over time really have made a difference. Then resolve to continue to push yourself much further.
It’s awesome to see how the well the new skaters are doing and the improvements they’ve made in only a few weeks.
Oh, and although I struggle to follow this advice myself sometimes, work just as hard at the dry land training or other non-derby sports/activities (at practice and at home/park/gym) as the on-skates training.

AB: Have you had any derby injuries?
TQ: No, except I seem to get bruises simply from wearing my wrist guards. And although I obviously don’t want any serious injuries, I think this just shows I need to start playing on a league team!

AB: We have met a lot of cool people in our Atlantic derby community in the past few months. Who is your greatest inspiration, motivator, and/or derby crush?
TQ: I’ve seen so many amazing skaters here in Atlantic Canada I don’t think I can name just one. It’s neat to see the different skills that different skaters possess. Every time I’ve watched another league step on to the track I’m blown away by the talent and the amazing skaters. But then our team enters the track and I think ‘yup, we’re awesome’ and feel a real sense of pride. So I would have to say I’m motivated by all of our very own awesome league skaters.

AB: (not to freak anyone out or anything but) You pack a real solid punch with your stable hits. What’s your secret?
TQ: Ha! Do I? I just really focus on staying low, picture myself as a really strong person and then channel that strength. But I do worry about completely missing a skater and going flying through the air instead during a bout…

AB: What do you predict will be the biggest changes we will see in the game since WFTDA released the recently updated rule set?
TQ: Besides more players being sent to the box for cutting? J The changes will keep the game moving along more swiftly, which I think is good for players and the fans.  It should also make it easier for refs to be more consistent with their calls.