Roller derby girls storm Mat-Su

PALMER — Denali Destroyer Dolls, the Valley’s own women’s roller derby team, hosted Alaska’s second annual Tournament and Training last weekend, demonstrating that flat track roller derby is catching on quickly and is here to stay in Alaska.

About 140 roller derby gals, coaches, referees, and volunteers converged on the MTA Activity Center in Palmer, for three days of training, competition and robust fun. Nine teams participated from throughout the state: Juneau, Fairbanks, Kodiak, Wrangell, Sitka, North Pole, Anchorage and Kenai.

Classes on Friday were led by two trainers from California, Baretta Lynch and Dirty Debbie Harry. A variety of skills were covered, from basics of skating to tactical team defense.

Friday night, the public attended two rousing matches. The first bout involved new skaters, called freshies, who put into practice their new skills. In the second match, Rage City All-Stars (Anchorage) challenged a mash-up of the best players from all the other women’s teams in the state. Anchorage, outscored the Alaska All-Stars 376 to 17, but, as in all things in Alaska where the underdog challenges Anchorage, the crowd strongly favored the all-AK team. In fact, when the AK girls scored their first 4 points (to Rage City’s 173) the crowd went nuts.

Saturday, teams met all day in individual bouts, with a second public show in finals that night. Adult teams include women 21 and over. Youth derby allows play for girls 7-17. Forty youth skaters trained Sunday.

Jane Bond and Dolla Billz, co-founders of the Denali Destroyer Dolls, explained that derby flat track is skating on any surface, anytime, anywhere. Roller derby in Alaska, often viewed as simple entertainment, is a legitimate sport, where athletes train all winter, and practice for two hours, three to four nights per week.

The DDDs, originated in June 2010, and quickly established themselves as a business-minded nonprofit giving back to the Valley community. Bond described their home for two years at the MTA Activities Center across from Palmer Junior Middle School, as a win-win situation. The DDDs played nine home bouts this season and utilized the center for training.

The DDDs also participate in community events, such as Colony Christmas, Colony Days, Special Olympics fundraisers, and Rock and Roll for Animals. Just recently, they volunteered at the Valley Women’s Club Fun Race during Who Let the Girls Out.

Bringing this tournament and training session to the Valley helped other businesses as well, since many of the women came from out of town, they stayed in local hotels, went out to eat, and took advantage of local shopping.

Despite names like Sabotage, Tropikill Storm Trina, and Painbow Smash, women who participate in roller derby come from all walks of life. They include doctors, bankers, teachers and housewives. Women who join don’t need to possess a pre-set skill level. New skaters are instantly welcome and can learn and develop skills at their own pace. Roller derby in Alaska is a positive, family-oriented environment that fosters camaraderie and empowerment. Family members of derby gals often also play, or volunteer to help score, referee or put together music for the bouts.

The women readily admitted that skating derby allows one’s alter ego to emerge.

“You can become someone else, maybe even the you you were truly meant to be,” said Bond. “Just because we wear fishnet stockings, doesn’t mean that isn’t a uniform. We are conscious of those who watch us. We develop a skill set, try to be safe, and don’t promote peer pressure. “

Stark Rayven Mad said derby helped her as a role model to her daughter.

“She watched me break out of my shell and do something I was afraid to do.”

“My 10-year-old daughter loves it!” Dolla Billz said. “She plays because she wants to play. It makes my heart proud.”

Keelah Hurtz hails from Kenai and plays for Far North. She researched the Kenai team for a year, but was initially afraid to join.

“I am a stay-at-home mom. I played team sports in high school and missed it,” she said.

Hurtz watched the DDDs play her local team and was hooked.

“I am a lot braver than I thought,” she said. “And I love to hang out with my derby sisters.”

She went on to add how much support the DDDs provided her Kenai team and what a lovely community she found in the Mat-Su.

Assassin Kate, from Wrangell, claimed that although she skated some in middle school, she didn’t know anything about roller derby. Wrangell now boasts 10 solid skaters and three freshies. A local business helped her team access knee and elbow pads and helmets.

“(Derby is) so awesome and different,” Kate said. “Derby girls are family to me now. We have such a tight bond.”

What should you do if entertain ideas to join?

“Come and watch. Give it a try,” Kate said. “We are not crazy. Everyone gets nervous. It’s so much fun, it’s just amazing.”

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