The West Kootenay Women’s Roller Derby League kicks into high gear with a double header at the Rossland Arena, Friday, opening it’s most ambitious season yet.
Appropriately, the first tilt begins at 6 p.m. on Friday the 13th, with Babes of Brutality taking on the Nelson Lumber Jackies followed by the Dam City Rollers battling Rossland’s Gnarlie’s Angels.
The Angels won the league championship in 2011, after a thrilling finish in extra time. The team will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak from last season, in defence of the coveted Golden Boot, the symbol of WKWRDL supremacy.
League president Michelle Sylvest says there are a number of changes for this year.
For one, the league has expanded the number of games to 26. They’ve also added two new teams. Trail’s Bad News Betties and the Slocan Valley Vendettas will officially join the fray after playing exhibition matches last season.
Sylvest, who plays for the Betties under the name SylvestHer StallOwn, suspects there will be some interesting rivalries.
“I think we’ll have some competition from the teams that didn’t end up playing all season,” she said. “I think that’ll bring the level up for everyone.”
The WKWRDL will also be hosting the Western Regional Championships in Nelson.
“So it’s a pretty big season,” she said.
The roller derby teams began training in January, but Sylvest said a lot of the teams keep up practice over the course of the off-season.
The doors open at the Rossland arena at 5 p.m. on Friday with first whistle at 6 p.m. with the full-meal deal of refreshments, food, and merchandise all for sale.
Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door, $2 for kids) from Phat Angel in Nelson, Mountain High Lighting in Castlegar, West Kootenay Scuba in Salmo, RossVegas in Rossland and Gerick Cycle and Sport in Trail.
On-line tickets sales at www.kootenayrollerderby.com.