Six Lethbridge teens will compete in the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in 2020

By Lara Fominoff and Brandyn Montgomery

Lethbridge players to compete at Junior Roller Derby World Cup in 2020

Nov 13, 2019 | 3:50 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Names like “TNT,” “Pay the Pain,” and “Superfly” might sound intimidating, but as members of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild, it’s considered par for the course.

The group is home to the “Deathbridge Derby Dames” and the “Windy City Wipeouts” Junior teams, with the latter that has six members who are expected to compete for Canada in the Junior Roller Derby World Cup (JRDWC) in Regina in 2020. Two local coaches will join them.

“We have two teams representing Canada; 40 amazing skaters that came from a hard selection, so it’s very exciting,” says Coach Caroline Reimer, a.k.a. “Coach Meow.”

The JRDWC takes place every two years; the inaugural event took place in 2015 with just three countries. The next event will feature teams from Canada, Great Britain, two U.S. teams, Australia and other European Countries. The last two World Cup events took place in the U.S., so this time, the Canadian teams will have home advantage.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

“So, you have two teams on the track,” explains Coach Jennifer Davis, also known as ‘Jabba the Butt.’ “Each one has five skaters. One of the skaters for each team is the Jammer – that’s the person who scores the points. And the other four are blockers. They are the ones who are trying to stop the other team from scoring the points. And you get points by passing the blockers on the opposing team.”

Reimer says roller derby is demanding sport. Other than helmets and some knee and elbow padding, players don’t have a lot of protective gear; and the concrete floors they compete on are unforgiving.

“A lot of our kids don’t play any other sports…this has given them something they have grown up to do, and because it’s a fringe sport, it’s unfamiliar. So, to be able to develop something not that many people know about and do so well, I think that ignites the fire,” she says.

Kids can also go on to compete for 18+ teams, and if they’re good enough, they can take part in the adult World Cup events.

And the kids on the Junior team say it’s a great way not just to get in shape, but to get out their frustrations and to learn about team comradery.

“I love the whole derby family vibe,” say the kids. “It’s a really welcoming and happy place. I also like the hitting part of it…It’s almost like I feel I’m stepping out of normal life and all the crazy stuff that’s happening…pretty much all your life problems are out of the way and you focus on the game.”

Reimer says players selected for the World Cup team will have intense practices, must complete a fitness program, do some online training, video tape it and then submit it all with their coaches.

“We’re just really happy to be having the opportunity to represent not only Lethbridge and Alberta, but Canada on a national level.”