Skip to content

Roller derby: Kannibelles kick off new derby season

Roller Derby is back on track this Saturday when the Kootenay Kannibelles open with a tilt against Fernie’s Avalanche City Roller Girls

Roller Derby is back on track this Saturday when the West Kootenay Roller Derby League’s (WKRDL) A-team, the Kootenay Kannibelles, opens the season with a tilt against Fernie’s Avalanche City Roller Girls at Selkirk College in Castlegar.

The Belles are made up of the best the WKRDL has to offer, with a solid mix of brain and braun, speed and strategy leading the way. They are coming off a thrilling 2013 season that included a trip to the inaugural Canadian National Roller Derby Tournament in Edmonton, and a tournament win at Spokarnage in Spokane where they beat a number of top U.S. teams.

The Belles have undergone significant changes this season, losing the services of coach Phil Loosely, aka Phil Yer Pants, after three years of dedicated service. But stepping into Phil’s big boots is Kai Bosh, a WKRD referee and coach of the reigning WKRD champion Nelson Killjoys. Joining Mr. Bosh behind the bench is derby diva Bobbi Barbarich, aka Beretta Lynch, who played with the derby national team last year.

The Kannibelles played Avalanche City in Sparwood last August and came away with a 208-140.

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the bout going at 5 p.m. with 50/50 and beer garden available to derby fans.