52 in 52 derby nomad on the road

Round round get around I get around

Derby, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the USS midnight matinee – its mission – to boldly try once more for 52 in 52

Keep checking my Flickr site at Midnight Matinee for the latest Derby photos and more!

You can call me the photographer derby nomad on the road.

Hammer City Eh! Team vs. Killamazoo Derby Darlins in Caledonia, Ontario in February on the coldest day of the year. This is shot INDOORS.

1. Saturday, June 15, 2013 – Toronto Roller Derby Battle for the Boot 2013 – Death Track Dolls vs. Smoke City Betties – The Bunker, Parc Downsview Park, Ontario
2. Saturday, June 8, 2013 – Peterborough Roller Derby Jamazons vs. Toronto Roller Derby D-VAS – Peterborough, Ontario
3. Friday, June 7, 2013 – Toronto LOCO
4. Saturday, June 1, 2013 – Queen City Roller Girls Championship – Devil Dollies vs. Nickel City Knockouts – Rainbow Rink – Buffalo, NY
5. Thursday, May 30, 2013 – Rollergettes
6. Saturday, May 25, 2013 – Toronto Roller Derby semi-finals – Gore Gore Rollergirls vs. Smoke City Betties – D-VAS vs. South Simcoe – The Bunker – Parc Downsview Park, ONTARIO
7. Friday, May 24, 2013 – Toronto LOCO
8. Saturday, May 18, 2013 – Detroit Derby Girls championship 2012-13 – Detroit Pistoffs vs. Grand Prix Madonnas – Detroit, Michigan – Masonic Temple 
9. Saturday, May 11, 2013 – Queen City Roller Girls playoffs – Nickel City Knockouts vs. Alley Kats / Devil Dollies vs. Suicidal Saucies – Rainbow Rink, North Tonawanda, NY
10. Saturday, May 4, 2013 – DRRD 2013 Season Opener – Northumberland vs. DRRDy Farmers, Atom Smashers vs. Motor City Madames – Ajax, ONTARIO
11. Beast of the East – Saturday, April 28 to Sunday, April 29, 2013 – Montrèal, Quèbec
12. CN Power vs. New Skids on the Block – Friday April 27, 2013 – Montrèal, Quebec
13. Sunday, April 21, 2013 – TORONTO JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY and TORONTO MEN’S ROLLER DERBY presents Fundraising Scirmmage – The Bunker, Toronto, ONTARIO
14. Saturday, April, 20, 2013 – Long Island vs. Lake Effect Furies / Devil Dollies vs. Suicidal Saucies – Queen City – Rainbow Rink, Tonawanda, NY – birhday weekend
15. Saturday, April 13, 2013 – Toronto Roller Derby 2013 presents Home Season Games 3 & 4 – Chicks Ahoy! vs. Smoke City Betties / Death Track Dolls vs. Gore Gore Roller-Girls
16. Sunday, April 7, 2013 – Big Hittin’ in Little Britain – Alliston Bombshell Battalion vs. Peterborough Jamazons / Lindsay vs. Northumberland – Peterborough, Ontario
17. Saturday, April 6, 2013 – Vicious Dishes vs. TKOs – TCRG season opener – New Hamburg, Ontario
18. Saturday, March 30, 2013 – Death Track Dolls vs. Timber Rollers / Thames Fatales vs. Luscious Lunch Ladies – Western Agriplex, London, Ontario
19. Sunday, March 24, 2013 – Quad City Chaos 2013 – in the books
20. Saturday, March 23, 2013 – Quad City Chaos 2013 – The Bunker, Parc Downsview Park, Ontario – done
21. Saturday, March 16, 2013 – first time on the road to photo Woodstock Warriors vs. DRRDy Farmers from Durham !
22. Sunday, March 10, 2013 – NCKO practice – Rainbow Rink, Buffalo, NY
23. Saturday, March 10, 2013 – Queen City Roller Girls presents “Bewitched” – Ice Ice Babies vs. Cereal Killers / Nickel City Knockouts vs. Alley Kats – Rainbow Rink, Buffalo, NY
24. Saturday, March 3, 2013 – Forest City Derby Girls presents Full Contact Derby – FCDG Plan B Activate vs. Vicious Dishes and Friends [Tri-City] / Forest City Timber Rollers vs. The Brute-Leggers [Royal City Roller Girls] – Western Agriplex, London, Ontario
25. Tuesday, February 26, 2013 – Durham vs. Bay Street Bruisers – Coachlite, Oshawa, Ontario
26. Sunday, February 24, 2013 – HCRG vs. Toronto Roller Derby – Caledon Fair, Caledon, Ontario
27. Saturday, February 23, 2013 – D-VAS vs. Tenacious B’s – Queensmount Arena, Kitchener, Ontario
28. Thursday, February 21, 2013 – Durham vs. Gore Gore Rollergirls – Coachline, Oshawa, Ontario
29. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 – Durham vs. D-VAS – Coachlite, Oshawa, Ontario
30. Sunday, February 17, 2013 – Alley Kats, Suicidal Saucies, NCKO practice – Rainbow Rink, Buffalo, NY
31. Saturday, February 16, 2013 – Queen City presents “Bewitched” – Ice Ice Babies vs. Cereal Killers / NCKO vs. Devil Dollies
32. Saturday, February 9, 2013 – Orangeville Pulp Affliction vs. Fergus Feims – Orangeville Fairgroundd, Orangeville, Ontario
33. Monday, February 4, 2013 – Los Coños vs. Rollergettes – Ancaster Fairgrounds, Ancaster, Ontario
34. Sunday, February 3, 2013 – Toronto Roller Derby presents…Toronto All-Star Roller Derby hosted training camp and WFTDA-rules officiating clinic – The Bunker, Toronto, Ontario
35. Sunday, February 3, 2013 – HCRG Eh! vs. Killamazoo Derby Darlins – Caledonia Fair, Caledon, Ontario
36. Saturday, February 2, 2013 – CN Power vs. Killamazoo Derby Darlins / Bay Street Bruisers vs. Killa Crew – The Bunker, Toronto, Ontario
37. Sunday, January 27, 2013 – NCKO practice – Rainbow Rink, Queen City / Buffalo, NY
38. Saturday, January 26, 2013 – Doin’ It Our Way – Lake Effect Furies vs. Rideau Valley Vixens / Alley Kats vs. Devil Dollies – Rainbow Rink, Buffalo, NY
39. Saturday, January 26, 2013 – Open Scrimmage hosted by Toronto Roller Derby TMNT vs Power Rangers! – The Bunker, Toronto, Ontario
40. Saturday, January 19, 2013 – Tri-City No Minors Bootcamp – New Hamburg Arena, New Hamburg, Ontario

 

Hello Durham, Hello World – Honouring Derby and fan at Gibson’s Cup II

Background: It’s been too long since we have seen Durham. It’s been a privilege to go on the road or the GO to see the teams and coaches of DRRD during this year [and seasons past and passed], both trackside at their new ACC venue and in their practice space within Coachella at Oshawa. DRRD has let me take in the lights and see what is possible without beating me up too badly. This weekend is special. Durham, this story is for you.

Durham Region Roller Derby does a good thing on Saturday, and honours the memory of a good fan and friend of the league, and in turns honours the spirit of Derby.

The Second Annual Gibson’s Cup will be contested this weekend. This time around the clash for the Cup will be held in their newest home, the Ajax Community Centre, the ACC, so to speak.

Motor City Madames and Atom Smsshers at the first Gibson’s Cup

Does it seem that long ago when the league teams of Durham in purple or orange or blue farmers outfits were already going up against formidable foes from Kingston Derby Girls or Royal City Roller Girls? The point being the league has been squaring off against opposition as either the all-star representatives DRRDY Devils, or as the two home teams the Motor City Madames or The Atom Smahsers, or the DRRDY Farmers fresher meat team. Leading up to the Cup has been a gruelling season of bouts, practice and dauntless spirit, overcoming all manner of Derby injuries and bruises on the track at home and on the road.

DRRDy Farmers from Durham vs. Skateful Dead of Kingston

Gibson’s Cup is DRRD’s one last chance this year for the two teams to finally smash each other. The culmination of the Durham season brings everyone in the league together all in the spirit of Gibson, yet marks the divide as the Madames and the Smashers go head to head for the only time in their schedule. Will last year’s winners Motor City Madames in purple be able to retain the Gibson’s Cup or will the Atom Smashers be able to hold it in their orange hands?

It is only fitting that Sarah Cutsie Bootsie King [who will be wearing puple] has her say.

“About two and a half years ago the members of the Durham Region Roller Derby league had the honour of meeting an 11-year-old boy who had unforunately spent most of his life battling terminal brain cancer. His name was Gibson, and he was a brave, witty kid who loved cars, motorcycles, loud music, and derby girls.

“When asked to participate in a fundraiser for Gibson, The DRRD Girls jumped at the chance opportunity to get involved. Gibson was able to make it out to one of DRRD’s carwashes to show his support and help wash a few cars, not to mention spraying down a couple of the girls, but unfortunately he was never able to make it out to a game. After his long battle, Gibson lost his courageous fight against cancer in late October of 2010.

Gibson with DRRD players at Fenders for Gibson where the DRRD Girls made Gibson an Official Member of DRRD
[photo courtesy of Durham Region Roller Derby]

“Gibson may no longer be with us, but the DRRD girls are committed to keep his spirit alive. After his passing the DRRD Girls decided to dedicate our first ever home bout to him in what is now known as The Gibson’s Cup. So come show your support this Saturday at the 2nd Annual Gibson’s Cup in Ajax where DRRD’s Motor City Madames and The Atom Smashers hit the track for a Great night of Derby!”

Skate harder! Durham’s Motor City Madames win Gibson’s Cup over Atom Smashers

/* this is a story still in the creation stage but we owe it to you all to at least get some recognition for all you have done */

Preamble: The crowds were filling up The Hangar while the D-VAS were hosting their first ever bout against the likes of Bones Brigade and Jewel Kicker as Durham Region Roller Derby took to the track for their inauguration to the competitive track as well. Durham have come a long way, baby. Since then they have gone through the growing pains and acquired a steady place they can call their practice space.

It was just a year ago when we wrote: “”Primary jammers for the Classy Trashy Roller Girls in the first half were #126 Cutsie Bootsie, #18 Roxy Rollah and #6 K-Rip. … Durham Region with all its travails fielding its first team and both leagues [Durham Region Roller Derby and Toronto Roller Derby] garnering first game experience for their rookie teams must be a proud and valuable accomplishment for all. … Under the guidance and coaching of all concerned including Blammo, Goodietwoscrews and Bones Brigade, Derby in Oshawa/Durham Region should not be a secret any longer.”

One year later.

The Derby Gods and Durham Region Roller Derby’s biggest fan must be smiling today. The Gibson’s Cup commemorates the spirit of the league’s friend and ardent supporter, Gibson. The story of Gibson, who the league first met when he was an 11 year old boy, touched the hearts of all of Durham who supported him and is detailed elsewhere more eloquently in their programme.

The 19th of August finally came, and DRRD were ready for the first home game in its history at at the Village Arena in Ajax, Ontario.

Durham has been a league in evolution: last year they were the Durham Classy Trash Rollergirls, but that dissipated and transitioned into the new league represented by the current trio of teams. Durham has always been good for hitting the road, with their all-stars combined as the Durham Roller Derby Devils, spreading the good word about themselves, from Fresh and Furious to 2 Fresh 2 Furious down at GTA Rollergirls turf or Peterborough’s Electric City, Ottawa’s Capital City or other Derby domains such as the West End Waywards Rollergettes.

True believers in the original spirit of Derby, self-motivated, fighting to get ahead, cultivating their Derby family, newbies and vets alike with great coaching and great fans. And at long last Durham held their first home bout. This is not a story about that game itself – but as you can tell from the photos over at Gibson’s Cup the score was kept close with killer hits from Hitz and company on the Atom Smashers, and returned in kind by Slamureye on Motor City.

DRRD’s Interleague Relationship Co-ordinator #99¢ Beat Boxx McRocks who also plays as pivot and blocker on the track, says of the hard day’s night: “We were so thrilled to be lucky enough to hold such a fantastic event. With our league being skater ran and operated, and having been established since 2009-it was so rewarding to see our two spectacular teams final;y bout against each other. We have been striving towards this goal and looking forward to a kick ass season next spring. I have to admit it was well worth the wait.”

“A lot of us have been skating together since the beging of our derby lives, and skate together as a team when we compete as the Durham Derby Devils.

“We are amazed and so excited at the fact that our first ever event SOLD OUT!!! I guess it’s just the tip of the iceberg of things to expect for the future.”

The abundance of Derby experience and expertise within the league and who came out to support Durham was rather astounding, with the presence of different leagues coaches and referees who came to help run the show smoothly. Durham’s normal coach Blammo was announcer for the night in complement with Mo Daddy and Crankypants Jr. There were a few familiar personas on the track, Hitz Miller and Darth Kater had changed names from before, but Cutsie Bootsie was still around from The Hangar days against the D-VAS.

During the game, Coach Lucid Lou on the side of the Motor City Madames only asked two things: “Blockers, skate harder! Jammers, skate faster!” and heaven only knows what coach Mouth of the South said to the Atom Smashers. But words can only go so far – it’s the heart of the players that drives the skates to higher revvs around the track.

The worn-out faces on the players and the sweat and blood and bodies on the floor was all the evidence one needed to show they were complying with their coaches. The Atom Smashers jammer rotation starting with 12 Gage and Legzy Maegzy went head to head against the Motor City Madames Cutsie Bootsie, Darth Kater and Blood Muffin in the first half, then the substitutions started coming in as Smashers began to tire or save their legs.

Morpheus’s line from The Matrix came true: “Stop trying to hit me, and hit me!” Any reluctance the Atom Smashers and Motor City Madames had for hitting fellow leaguemates for real in a real game fell in a wayside of hits and blocks that caused players to tumble and collide with the floor. The Motor City Madames raced to the front to create the walls and allow their jammers to slowly pull away and garner the points. What was a see-saw one or two point difference began to expand in the favour of the blue as the second period clock wound down to zero. The anticipation on the Motor Cities Madames bench was palpable. #244 Hitz Miller from the Smashers took to the Naughty Spot penalty bin for the last time.
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“What I can say about that game was for our first league bout I do think it was very successful and that the girls did an amazing job hosting the bout. As for game play, it was very difficult playing against girls that I skate with as a team every week, we know how each other play and what each others strength and weaknesses are but we all played our hardest given the obstacles of knowing, mind you I was caught off guard by how alot of the girls play and can say I am glad to be on their team in all but that game.” – Krystal Hitz Miller

“Bonesy is no longer with DRRD, Goodie became a ref (Klitty Litter). Blammo is our league coach. She did announcing for the game because it wouldn’t be fair for one team to have her bench manage and not the other. She also does bench managing for our travel team with Biz. She does all for DRRD!”

For another point of view from Cutsie Bootsie on the Motor City Madames, “Just that skating with these girls for the last year and a half has been a life changing experience in the best possible way. It brought me back to life, gave me some of the best friendships I could have ever asked for and when I’m on that track nothing else matters. All my worries and troubles just fade away. Its the best kind of therapy a gal can ask for. I love being on my skates, and I love Derby!”

Indeed, for DRRD, “Roller derby is more then just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.”