Terrace’s flat track roller derby team is gearing up for spring season, and looking for a match up with an out-of-town team.
With 21 ladies ready to roll, the Northcoast Nightmares are getting closer to hosting their own bout, which is a roller derby match, against an opposing team.
The Nightmares are currently looking at inviting a rookie team from Prince George for Riverboat Days for a public bout.
Bouts see teams of five-on-five hit the oval track, where points are won by each team’s jammer making laps on the rest of the pack. In order to play ladies must pass the Women’s Flat Track Derby Associations skills set.
So far, five of the Nightmares have done this, - with three more well on their way to completing the requirements.
To further their skills, and showcase the sport of roller derby in Terrace, players held an open practice at the Terrace sportsplex, April 10th.
“We decided to use this opportunity to invite people to come out and watch so they can learn more about it, and pick up some information,” said Tarea Laton, or Lady-Izahella, a veteran with the Northcoast Nightmares.
On hand to instruct the team was Diandra Jurkic-Walls, co-founder of the PG Roller Girls team, who volunteered to visit the ladies and offer her expertise.
Jurkic-Walls worked with the team on its skating, “pack communication,” “booty blocking” and its “feather feat.”
The night ended with a scrimmage with Jurkic-Walls on hand to call out penalties and guide the players.
“Everyone did really well and not a single girl left without learning something new,” Laton said of the night.
Layton explained that roller derby in Terrace has been a relatively self-guided experience for the team, as it has navigated its way through a sport without any local example.
“This sport is new to all of us, it’s not like hockey where we grew up watching it and know the rules,” Laton said.
Next, the Nightmares will hosting a “Skate for Autism” day at the Skeena Secondary school track, May 6.
Layton said the team was inspired by a local man, Caleb Wacholz, who has autism and is trying to raise $3,000 to donate to the Canucks Autism Network.
She said the team hopes to at least match Wacholz’s donation and players are well on their way as they have already signed up numerous pledges promising money for every lap of the track they skate on the day.
The team will also host a BBQ and hand out prizes. Laton invited anyone interested on the day to come out and support a good cause with the ladies and their families.