The Toronto Roller Derby Season Opener is happening on Saturday, Jan. 25th, and we talked to members of Smoke City Betties, Death Track Dolls, The Gore-Gore Roller Girls and Chicks Ahoy! about the event. If you’re thinking of throwing on some skates, Toronto Roller Derby’s Fresh Meat “Meat and Greet” is on January 26th.  For all the info e-mail freshmeat@torontorollerderby.com .

Chicken Sluggets of the Death Track Dolls. 

“Have you ever seen a chicken running around with its head cut off, swinging a baseball bat with keen precision? Neither have I, but I dream about it.”

How and why did you join a roller derby team? What do you love most about it? “I grew up playing tons of team sports and doing gymnastics. As I got older I ended up doing solo sports like running and swimming, and I started to feel like I wanted a high-adrenaline team sport again. I love derby for the sheer athleticism. Derby girls are my heroes.”

What are you into these days, beyond roller derby? “I just finished law school, so I suppose I am working on a larger project of justice and equality for everyone in the world. This includes chickens, but I also eat meat these days so ‘justice for chickens’ is sort of a vague thing. When I am sitting in the courtroom I often wonder why people litigate when they could roller skate.”

What can audiences expect at the season opener? “The Gores and the Chicks have been rivals since I was a mere twinkle in my daddy’s eye. Not that mama ever told me who daddy was. Expect to see a serious battle on the track, these girls are gonna play their hearts out.”

If your roller derby alter ego could skate to one song, what would it be? “I would skate to Whitney Houston’s hit song ‘I wanna dance with somebody’. The whole idea is to keep up appearances of being sweet and even a little bit adorable, but then when no one is looking KAPOW!

Emraged from Chicks Ahoy!

“She’ll kick your ass, and then buy you a beer afterwards.”

How and why did you join a roller derby team? What do you love most about it?  “Someone I used to work with in 2009 went through Fresh Meat, Toronto Roller Derby’s new skater training program, and encouraged me to join.  At the time I couldn’t decide if it’s something I wanted to do.  I was concerned about not really knowing anyone, the physicality of the sport and the time commitment.  In 2011 I bought my skates and in 2012 I was a part of the Fresh Meat program and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The friends I have made thus far are incredible, the physicality isn’t that bad (honest!), and training twice a week seems like nothing because I get to spend time with my friends.  I love that I am back playing a team sport again after a few years away from my first love, Rugby, and that I was instantly a part of a new community helping to build an emerging sport.  What I love about the sport itself?  Well, I do love those big hits.”

What are you into these days, beyond roller derby? “I’m really into Duck Dynasty and baking.  I also love dogs.”

What can audiences expect at the season opener?  “Expect fast skating, big hits and a tight game! The Gores VS Chicks is always a nail bitter!”

If you could skate to one song, what would it be?  “For Whom the Bell Tolls – Metallica”

 

Lexi Con from the Gore-Gore Rollergirls and the Bay Street Bruisers.

“Relentless and unapologetic!”

 How and why did you join a roller derby team? What do you love most about it? “I loved the sight of seemingly mixing theatrics with unrivalled athleticism. I watched the Gores dominate the Chicks in their 2010 Championships and knew I wanted to wear spots. Though there is no stage or set-up in derby, the feeling you get while skating fast around a track, laying hits, and having everything play out perfectly as pieces and opponents fall into place, cannot be matched. You can be anyone.”

What are you into these days, beyond roller derby? “Taking long walks on the wrong side of the tracks.”

What can audiences expect at the season opener?“A permanent imprint of Gore onto a flurried sea of neon green.”

If your roller derby alter ego could skate to one song, what would it be? “Psycho Holiday by Pantera.”

Wackedher from the Smoke City Betties

“Glittery, giggly, bendy, speed demon.”

How and why did you join a roller derby team? What do you love most about it?
“I joined roller derby because when I moved to Toronto I wanted to know where all the cool kids hung out. I love the community of roller derby, there’s a lot of love here amongst all the hitting.”

What are you into these days, beyond roller derby?  “Making crafty, glittery bright-coloured art in spite of the grey winter. Also Instagram.”

What can audiences expect at the season opener?  “The Chicks VS Gores game is going to be amazing!  This season is really special because it is anyone’s championship. Any team can take the boot! I expect a lot of lead changes and incredible hits.”

If you could skate to one song, what would it be? “Date with the Night, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.”

For more info on the season opener or to buy tickets, click here!