Season Beginnings and Sinking Ships

Keweenaw Roller Girls 2017 season started off with a bang as our first WFTDA sanctioned game is now in the books. It was a tough battle against Chippewa Valley Roller Girls of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They’ve been on the track several season longer than KRG and really have some superb leadership that has carried their strategies and game play over the years. Ending their season against KRG, they left with a powerful 261 to 65. Though the score visually was a huge blow out, the gameplay itself was exciting. If you never looked at the scoreboard you might not have known who had won the game. Some great skating skill was displayed by both teams, and the 1 on 1 battles in the front of the pack, usually against CVRG’s #25 Stunt Double, were so thrilling it really didn’t seem to matter to the home crowd that KRG was having their butts handed to them. With more than 500 in attendance at the Calumet Colosseum, the house “Ooohhs” and “Ahhhs” could be heard clearly on the track amongst the chaos of shouting skaters, whistles, and the house PA.

Keweenaw showcased some new talent at the first game in Calumet this season. Glam Bam #18, Amelia HitsHart #724, and AfroDisiac #88 played in their first game as rookies against a seasoned WFTDA All Star team. We are so proud of their fearlessness (okay, maybe they were a little scared, but they didn’t show it), and their great sportsmanship. Talk about a trial by fire. These new skaters are ones to keep your eyes on. As any team should know, every loss is a win if you learn something from it, and we certainly took some pointers, made adjustments, and are ready for the games ahead of us.

Next up on the schedule for June 10th, a new team on the scene, Shipwreck Alley Roller’s (SAR) of Alpena, Michigan.  They will be making their way up the peninsula this weekend, and what a great time to hit the road! This team has a lot of soul and we look forward to strengthening our connections with them. First recognized at the 2016 Mitten Kitten Tournament in Mackinaw City, SAR was in full force co-hosting and lending support to River City Renegades and the entire organizing crew. They were growing their league and supporting the growth of roller derby, and we are all about that! They have quite a presence and are hard to not notice with their iconic pirate-skull logo with pretty eyelashes.

Get ready and make some evening plans for this Saturday as KRG prepares for their opponent from below the bridge. School is out for the kids and we’re all in the mind-set for having some fun. Bring your kiddos to the game, or bring that gal who you know would just be great at roller derby (we want to recruit her).

Tickets are $5.00 for adults, and the kids 10 and under are FREE! Bevies, grub, and rolling thunder. What better way to spend a Saturday night in Calumet!?

Visiting our facebook event for more info!

Keweenaw Path Fundraiser 2016

On Saturday, May 14th, individuals from all over our community made their way to Copper Harbor, MI for the 12th Annual Keweenaw Path Fundraiser. Keweenaw Path was started in order to raise funds and awareness for our local shelter which benefits those who have been affected by domestic violence.

Participants started their journey from all over the peninsula. Some biked from Houghton, some walked the entire length of the road that climbs and descends Brockway Mountain, and others ran and roller skated from Esrey Park along the lakeshore, all to join together in festivities at the Copper Harbor Community Center.

Keweenaw Peninsula Land

When everyone in the Keweenaw woke up on Saturday morning it was hovering around 30 degrees. The wind was taunting and a light dusting of snow attempted to intimidate those who were to be outside for the day. We’re Yoopers though, and born here or not, we’re resilient and prepared, it’s a part of the living.

We bundled in more protective gear that usual and we set off for what was to be a beautiful day. Mittens covering our wrist guards, and knit hats stuffed under our helmets we made our way along M-26 followed by a cool gal in a Chevy El Camino with a sign hanging off the back that read: CAUTION: Skaters Ahead!

KRG Keweenath Path 2016
Within a few strides we heated right up, the snow flurries looked no more intimidating than the down of a duck and the roaring waves of Lake Superior became our soundtrack for the next 9 miles.

We are so very fortunate to live in a place this beautiful and to be able to act to benefit our community in ways like this.  The Keweenaw is home to compassionate people and a community ethic second to none. Since its beginning Keweenaw Path has raised thousands of dollars for the shelter through the efforts of participants, organizers, and donations. Here’s to another successful year!

If you would like to donate – please make all checks payable to the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter and mail payment to:


Keweenaw Path Fundraiser

PO Box 164, Copper Harbor, Michigan, 49918