solar system smackdown – Keweenaw Roller Derby

Solar System Smackdown 2016

SSS2016

Join us on Saturday, August 6 for fast-paced, hard-hitting roller derby action!

Every year, KRG wraps up the home season with the Solar System Smackdown. Skaters from leagues all over the upper midwest are mixed into two teams to duke it out for control over the solar system!

For the past three years, the Venus Vixens have walked away from the Smackdown victorious. Will this year’s challengers, the Black Holes, sink that winning streak?

Doors open at 5pm
First whistle at 6pm
Tickets $5, Kids 10 and under free

Houghton County Arena
1500 Birch St.
Hancock, MI

There will be food from Habañeros Fresh Mexican Kitchen, drinks (half price until first whistle), activities for the kiddos, and a half time event hosted by the Houghton MI Skatepark!

The Houghton MI Skatepark half time event is the Game of S-K-A-T-E and will be the last and final match between reigning skateboarders with the winners earning the KRG Heavyweight Championship Title. During the bout, Houghton MI Skatepark will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets and Houghton MI Skatepark merchandise, with all proceeds going toward the skatepark.

Tickets are $5 at the door or online (http://krgvsmm16.bpt.me/)

After the stardust has settled, swing by the after party at Bills B&B for a night of fun and dancing with the band, Night Screamer!

Venus Vixens vs Uranus United

On one of the hottest nights in the Keweenaw, 27 skater’s from 7 leagues came together in Hancock, Michigan to take on one another in the 3rd Annual Solar System Smackdown. The Smackdown was KRG’s first ever roller derby event held in August of 2013, and has since become a well known gathering for meeting up with old derby friends, and making new ones.

Skaters from the Keweenaw Roller Girls, Mad Rollin’ Dolls, Chippewa Valley Roller Girls, Dead River Derby, Paper Valley Roller Girls, Rockford Rage, and the Lansing Derby Vixens were all represented Saturday evening, supported by an excellent officiating crew from Lansing, Dead River, Chippewa Valley and KRG.

(from left to right) DJ Jazzy Jeff the Ref, Otto Korrect, Glock N Load, Standard Steviation, and Boba Thrett – Photo by Jim Pintar

The Venus Vixens got off to a heck of a start with a massive lead obtained by skater, Yoop #22, of Dead River Derby. Fierce and strong, she pulled off a 30-something point jam with the help of some brutal defense, leaving Uranus United working hard to catch up in the first half.

The second half was much like the first, with some glimmers of hope for Uranus United, as their blocking lines began to work more seamlessly, utilizing diamond formations to their advantage they were able to keep hold. However, the Venus Vixen’s defense was just a power house and left many of Uranus United’s jammers fighting in the pack, allowing the Vixen’s jammers to rack up the points.

Camaraderie was present from all on the track despite the point spread; fist bumps on the jam line, laughter, and playful mocking was seen throughout the night. Great gameplay and showmanship from both sides made it an exciting game to watch, causing many crowd “Ooooos” and “Ahhhhhs” as skaters collided and displayed fancy foot work.

The game ended in favor of the Vixens, with a 129 point lead over Uranus. After the game, each team huddled separately to select an MVP for the opposing team based on not only skill, but also attitude and spirit. The recipients of the very special, galactic Solar System Smackdown MVP awards: Phee Nix of the Venus Vixens and Glory Sparks of Uranus United – both members of Marquette’s Dead River Derby!

Solar System Smackdown MVPs - Phee Nix (left) and Glory Sparks (right) — Solar System Smackdown MVPs – Phee Nix (left) and Glory Sparks (right) – Photo by Jim Pintar

Who will the Vixen’s take on next year, and can they hold on to the title? We’ll have to wait and see.

Both Teams - SSS 2015 — Both teams and referees on the Solar System Smackdown 2015 – Photo by Jim Pintar

For more pictures from the event, please check out Jim Pintar’s flickr gallery here.

3rd Annual Solar System Smackdown!

Come see the final battle of the year at KRG’s 3rd Annual Solar System Smackdown THIS SATURDAY, August 15th! More than 30 skaters from 8 different leagues will be coming together for an all out galactic brawl to bring this season to a close.

Marking the conclusion of two years on the flat track, the Keweenaw Roller Girls bring to you this years challenger: Uranus United! This team is made up of all the sass Uranus can handle! Welcoming skaters from the Keweenaw Roller Girls, Mad Wreckin’ Dolls, Dead River Derby, Paper Valley Roller Girls, Oakland County Roller Derby and Chippewa Valley Roller Girls!

And the two time reining champs: Venus Vixens! Fielding skaters from as far away as Rockford, IL, this team is made up of some the finest skaters from the Keweenaw Roller Girls, Rockford Rage, Mad Wreckin’ Dolls, Paper Valley Roller Girls, Dead River Derby and Lansing Derby Vixens! Can this team kick Uranus and hold onto the title, or will they be cast out like Pluto?