Author: KRD Admin

Unicorn Invasion!

Team Unicorn LogoLast Saturday night, historic Dee Stadium in Houghton and Keweenaw Roller Derby played host to a magical herd of unicorns. Team Unicorn from Madison Roller Derby, to be exact.

The action got underway at 6:00, and the Unicorns jumped into an early lead that they held on to for almost the entire bout. It was a physical and hard-hitting game; one of the most physical that we’ve experienced. Despite this, penalties were relatively low for the Keweenaw Rollers, something that is a reflection of our rigorous training regime and commitment to fair play.

The bout ended with the final score of 99 for Keweenaw, 190 for Team Unicorn. In spite of taking a loss, KRD skated well, hard, and played clean.

One of the things that attracts many to roller derby is that there’s room for all body types and athletic abilities on the track. Team Unicorn demonstrates this in practice as they had a roster on Saturday made up of skaters of a variety body types, and our jammers got some valuable experience tangling with bigger, solid blockers than those currently on KRD’s roster.

Those who were there can confirm that the energy was electric last Saturday. Hopefully that vibe is a portent of things to come for the 2019 season and will only continue as KRD skates both at the Dee and on the road.

 

MVP Jammer: Afro Disiac

MVP Blocker: I Love Skatin’

Kick-Ass Communicator Award: Rowena Ragin’Claw

Fierce Feet Award: Smushella DeVil

Keweenaw Takes a Win in Beloit

A very quick derby primer for the brand new fans: Derby bouts are played on a flat oval track in rounds called jams. Each jam, both teams field a jammer and four blockers. The first jammer to push, dodge, or jump their way through the pack of blockers is awarded “Lead” status and has the ability to strategically call off the jam. Some jams, the jammers go round and round to rack up points, while in others they grab four points and call it off before the opposing jammer gets any. Blockers impede the jammers by forming human walls and (sometimes) knocking jammers right off their skates!

 

While Keweenaw Roller Derby’s home season is going to kick off in just two short days, the team has already had the opportunity to flex those derby muscles on the road once this year. On April 27, we road-tripped our way down to Southern Wisconsin for a hard-hitting bout against the Beloit Bombshells. KRD took home a win with a final score of 161-178.

 

Beloit’s jammers proved formidable, gaining lead in just over half the jams. However, KRD spent the winter drilling offensive strategies and it absolutely showed; even when our jammers didn’t snag the lead position, we got them out of the pack and into position to force a call-off fast. In several jams, our non-lead jammers snagged more points than the lead jammers. Quite a feat!

 

Throughout the game, KRD’s communication was excellent. Skaters who have been with us for just a season or two have really found their skates and identified their strongest positions. Our crop of new skaters are jumping in smoothly and proving invaluable in our walls. The vets continue to push the team in new, strategic directions. As both a skater and a team trainer, I continue to be impressed by the flexibility and self-awareness of KRD. Everyone left the bout full of positivity, excitement, and with a long list of new strategies to try out – exactly the attitude you hope to see in a team!

 

Huge shout out and thanks to the Beloit Bombshells for being amazing hosts and to all of the officials who made this game possible.

 

MVP Blocker: I Love Skatin’

MVP Jammer: Smushella deVil

Stellar Bench Staff: Feline Fatale, Hex Bex, and Princess Bubblebutt

 

Look for us this weekend at the Dee Stadium where we’ll be keeping it low, slow, and hard hitting against Madison’s Team Unicorn!

 

~ Rowena Ragin’Claw

 

2019 Season Excitement!

Who’s ready for the 2019 roller derby season in the Keweenaw?!? You’d better hold on to your hats—Keweenaw Roller Derby will be hosting four home bouts and traveling for two away matches:

Watch a Bout

All home bouts will be at Dee Stadium, Houghton. Doors open at 5pm; the bout begins at 6pm. Tickets are available at the door or from your favorite KRD member, and are only $5 for teens and adults—kids 10 and under are free! There will be food courtesy of Suomi and drinks available, along with graceful half time entertainment provided by 47 North Bellydance.

We’re only a month out from the season opener, so be sure to mark your calendar and hustle on over to historic Dee Stadium to witness the wheeled spectacle that is Keweenaw Roller Derby!