“Bliss Krieg,” otherwise known as Mel Rempel, leads her teammates around the derby track during a recent practice at the Penticton curling rink.
Erin Christie photo
They may be wearing pink but there is nothing dainty about them.
Dressed in sparkly tights, boy shorts and T-shirts that reveal their personas – “Billy the Skid,” “Bliss Krieg,” and “Crasher in the Thigh.” They’re quite simply hell on wheels. They are the Penticton Pistoleras and if you’re interested in having fun while getting a “fantastic” workout, Colleen “Uzi Q” Milligan says these flat track fighters are looking for you.
“We could definitely use some new players and would love to have women from Oliver and Osoyoos come out,” said Milligan. “We’d eventually like to see teams form in both towns so we can all play against one another. But for the moment, anyone interested is welcome to join us.”
Carol Sheridan of Oliver Parks and Recreation says she thinks there is enough local interest to start an Oliver team and hopes to get the Pistoleras to come to the community centre for a clinic or a “fresh meat” (try-out) night.
“We would love to host the team,” says Sheridan. “We have a great facility to accommodate them and would be happy to help with the organization. I think a roller derby team would be a great addition to Oliver.”
Milligan says practically anyone can join; you don’t need skating experience to play.
“There are a lot of aspects that are really individual to derby; certain muscle groups that you’ll use here that you won’t use anywhere else. Being able to skate is only part of it, and we can teach that,” she pointed out.
“It really is for almost anybody. You can come in at any level. As long you work hard there’s going to be a place for you.”
If you aren’t sure about your fitness level, coach Charlie Fornelli says derby will get you into shape in no time.
“These girls work their butts off,” Fornelli told the Chronicle.
Training is rigorous, with a minimum of two practices a week, three during bout (game) season. Practices include a warm-up, drill exercises, core strengthening and a scrimmage, where players are able to practice their skills in every position – jammers, pivots and blockers.
Nadia “Red Mewes” Buckley and Glory “Crasher in the Thigh” MacIntyre race around the track.
Erin Christie photo
“They work hard,” Fornelli added. “Roller derby is highly athletic. Derby is about more than just picking out a cool name.”
As much as she enjoys the physical challenge of the sport, Milligan acknowledges that picking out a derby name is part of the allure.
“For a lot of us derby is an outlet. When you pick your derby name it gives you a chance to create an alter-ego. You can choose to dress up and be someone else if you want. It’s another way to let loose.”
Picking out a “tough” name is just one aspect of the derby culture. Clothes, or rather, costumes, have been a mainstay of the derby culture since its resurgence in the 1970s.
Fornelli says he is seeing less and less on the track these days.
“There are members of the Pistoleras that dress up, but you see more of it in the United States. It’s very much a part of paying homage to old-school derby. There’s till a look to derby but the focus for a lot of teams is about getting derby recognized as a legitimate sport.”
In regard to the “tough as nails” reputation the sport has acquired in popular culture, Fornelli says “it’s completely true.”
“You don’t have to have an athletic background to play but you do have to be able to take a hit.”
Jessica Michalchuk says the crashing and bashing is all part of the fun.
Michalchuk, who goes by the derby name “Evil Dread,” first strapped on her skates two years ago and fell in love with roller derby.
“The sport is amazing, but it’s the women that we play with that make it so cool. I wasn’t athletic at all when I started so I was nervous but as soon I got out and met the girls and started playing I was immediately hooked,” she explains.
“It’s the only place I’ve been to where you can have someone hit you, fall down, laugh and get back up again and say, oh my God, do that again!”
As heated as things can get while in play, Michalchuk says there’s a real sisterhood on and off the concrete.
“You think when you get a bunch of girls together there’s going to be catfights but it’s not like that at all. We definitely have our competitive moments but we support each other. Everyone wants to win and wants to have fun.”
Mel Van Geest, who’s known on the track as “Honey B Trouble,” says the camaraderie and inclusiveness of the sport is what prompted her to get involved with the team in 2011, and has kept her coming back ever since.
Jessica “Evil Dread” Michalchuk shows off her team spirit.
“You end up getting this whole group of friends you might never have thought you would,” she says. “If you look at our team, for example, we really run the gamut. You have women of all different ages, shapes, sizes and occupations, single women, married women, moms. But we’re a team, we work together. That’s what it’s about.”
The Pistoleras will start their 2014 season on May 10 at the Penticton curling rink when they face off against the Black Diamond Betties. Doors open at 6:30 and the whistle blows at 7 pm sharp. Tickets are $10 and are available at Pentagon Boardshop, Sun City Tattoos & Piercing, Black Widow Winery, 30 Minute Hit and at the door on game night.
To find out more about the team or to attend a “fresh meat” night contact the Pistoleras at [email protected] or check out www.sorda.ca
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
