So there we were, standing looking at a blue and white poster that simply read"Talk Derby to Me" Yeah, that's right up our line, skates,speed, contact bring it on! So we contacted the Windy City Rollers and found ourselves in track side "Suicide" seats with our guide, guardian angel and teacher of all things Roller Derby "Flash Hottie" last Saturday night. Yes, Hottie has a another name that she signs her checks with but in the derby world everyone has their roller derby name and that is how they wish to be known.
Hottie was assigned to us by the team to keep us safe and teach us about the intricacies of the game. First we were were guided to our seats they would be in the "suicide" section. So named because skaters come around the bend in the oval track at 25 miles per hour and can take out the very rows of seats we were sitting on. However, these seats afford the best view of the game, would we like to move to higher ground? Nothing doing, suicides it would be!
One of the things that struck me about the bout is that everyone connected to the organization seemed to be having a good time. The party atmosphere is infectious. The team support staff seemed genuinely concerned that we come to understand the game and feel like part of the party. The basics are pretty easy Pivots play defense, Blockers well, block. Jammers, these are the truly skilled skaters that weave through the pack lap the field and score. Jammers are the only players that can score. Should you forget a cheat sheet is handed to you at the door along with the nights list of skaters. No names that could be found on a birth certificate but monikers like Loco Channel, May R Daly, Ruth Enasia. As Flash Hottie explained to me taking a name expresses publicly your game face, it was a key part of the culture of the game.
The bout began and all images of 60's Sunday Morning Roller Derby quickly left my head, there were no gratuitous fights Saturday night. These ladies are athletes playing a contact sport they take very seriously. With three practices per week they have to be in great shape. Roller Derby is a contact sport with speed oh yes, enough to make any hockey or football fan take notice. Chicago should be noticing, June 20th the playoffs will be at the UIC Pavilion and bragging rights and the Ivy King Cup will be awarded. Last year the Rollers All Stars were runners up in the 2008 WFTDA Championship, this year they mean to change that. I for one wouldn't get in their way.
As always here are some images of the bout.
Powderhornhockey
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