Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: Gary “Mad Piper” Ferguson

This month we have our first spotlight on a member of the Riot, none other than our resident Scotsman, Mad Piper.  Piper hits like a tank and has been known to give bruises to people trying to hit him, simply by standing still.  Rumor is he also plays a musical instrument of some kind…

headshot piper

Name: Mad Piper
Number: 73
Team: River City Riot
Member of OCDG since: February 2013

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

I have been involved in sports my whole life. I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old, so for 36 years. I have a lovely wife who is also in derby (Clumzy Luver) and a beautiful daughter, Emily. I manage an autobody store that keeps me busy, as well as playing the bagpipes in a Celtic band.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

It took a while to pick my derby name, but playing bagpipes for 28 years helped me pick my name. I just picked my birth year for my number.

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?

I never really wanted to play derby, but got bugged by some Riot members for a while as my wife was playing, so I tried it out in February of 2013 and got hooked.

Why did you pick OCDG for your league?

To support the league my wife was part of – and it’s home to the only men’s team in Edmonton.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

I like to play blocker mostly as I like to hit, but I also really enjoy jamming as I still get to knock people around.

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Piper jamming against the Dreadnaughts at Flat Track Fever – and showing ’em how it’s done.

What is your best derby memory?

My very first Riot game in Red Deer when the team won their very first game. I was so proud to be part of that special win.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

To help the Riot get to the MRDA (Men’s Roller Derby Association) level.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Don’t ever quit; get back up and keep trying, and always remember to have fun.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I have met the most amazing people through derby.

Piper and Clumzy are the quintessential derby family, both heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the league and supporting its members.  Now we just have to get them to convince Emily that GEJRDA (Greater Edmonton Junior Roller Derby Association) is where it’s at!