ITS A Night of the Living Derby as the North Coast Nightmares host their first bout at home this Saturday.
The team takes on Dawson Creek’s Mile Zero Mercy in a bout that promises hard hits, excitement for the spectators and a few extras at the sportsplex.
“We are feeling pretty prepared. We have been practising three days a week for the last couple of weeks,” said team member Tarea Roberge, aka Dream Warrior.
“We have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this team, and now that our chance to blow people’s minds has finally come, we are not going to disappoint. Expect big hits, fast jams and expect to leave in love with this game.”
Spectators are encouraged to make cheesy homemade signs to cheer the team on, with the best one to win a prize, said Roberge.
Fans are also asked to cheer hard and loud to help calm the team’s nerves and help psyc out the other team, she added.
A lot more goes into a game that people notice: Mile Zero Mercy is coming all the way from Dawson Creek and referees are coming from all over the province, said Roberge.
Those who aren’t familiar with roller derby will have some help understanding the game and what’s happening by checking out the information in the game program, she said.
“The spectators at the game can expect a sport like they’ve never seen around here before,” she said.
And having the bout here means a lot to the team for the chance it gives the community to see firsthand the sport of roller derby and to thank the sponsors for their support, she said.
“As well as show off how hard we have been working for the last couple years to make it possible,” she said. The team is looking to get more players and referees after the game, she added.
And as extras, spectators will get to see a 19+ tricycle race, children can win prizes in the “push a derby girl race” and fans have a chance to win a trip..
And then there’s the after party, a tradition in roller derby.
“It’s universal in roller derby, the love of the game, the respect of the opposing team and the ability to have a beer with the girl whose socks you knocked off just an hour earlier,” said Roberge.
Game ticket stubs are free entry into the after party. Those who don’t have a ticket stub will have to pay a small cover charge.
People can check out the team’s facebook event page for more and details about the team members,’ including their derby names.
For more information on the bout, see City Scene on page 24.