Category Archives: Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight – Rainbow Juicepig

This month we talked to the lovely Rainbow Juicepig! Check out what she has to say about playing derby, the incredible community, and her awesome name!

What’s your derby name and number?

My name is Rainbow Juicepig and my number is 757.

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

I was exposed to derby in Victoria BC when I met up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. She was an NSO (non-skating official) with the local league and there was a bout happening so she invited me to come and watch. I didn’t know a thing about derby but as soon as the game started I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to try and play. They weren’t having an intake for a few more months but I went and watched every game until that time. I loved it right away.

Do you have a story behind your derby name?

My name is unique and I have to thank my friend Kat. Long before I even knew what derby was, I was expecting my first child and my friend Kat would contribute potential baby names. Rainbow Juicepig was on one of those lists and while it didn’t suit my daughter, when I joined derby, I knew it was the perfect name.

What teams do you play on? Do you have a favourite position?

I play on all the teams. I enjoy derby for the game of playing derby and being with my friends. I am not super competitive so I try and play where I am needed. I prefer to play blocker but have been pushing my own personal boundaries and trying my hat at jamming more often.

How long have you skated with OCRD and why did you choose this league?

I have played with Oil City since February of 2012 when I was just a freshie at the Grindhouse. When I moved to Edmonton and was fully recovered from breaking my leg I emailed both of the leagues at the time and Oil City was the first one to email me back. After the first practice, I knew it would be a good fit.

What’s your favorite derby memory?

Trying to pin down a favorite derby memory would be hard. After a while, all of the games kind of blend together, but the best part of every game and the moment that stands out is when you are headed to the bench after a jam and you look at the people that were on your line and you talk about how awesome that jam was. Sometimes that only happens once a game, sometimes it happens every jam, but those are the moments that stay with me.

Any plan or goals for your future derby career?

I would like to keep playing derby until my body gives out. Try my best, give it my all and have fun doing it.

Anything else you would like to say to the derby community, fans or potential new recruits?

To all the fans, family and potential derby players I would say; Make the best of it. Enjoy every moment. Cheer and love and skate.

The derby community is full of fun and love and sweaty people that will love you back no matter your skill level. They love the fans and they really appreciate all of the support that they get that allows them to keep playing this great sport.

Skater Spotlight – London Brawling

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London Brawling shuts down a jammer during a G.I. Janes game.

And we’re back with another Skater Spotlight. For the month of April, we are spotlighting London Brawling. The hard hitting, brick wall blocker from the G.I. Janes, London once thought that derby wasn’t a real thing.This is no April Fool’s joke.

London and I sat down and talked about her derby experience and what she thought about derby when she first heard of it,

Listen here to hear all her secrets.

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London Brawling on one of her trips to Europe.

The punk rock loving London Brawling began her derby career as a very green skater, but didn’t stay that way for long. She instantly became a skater to watch as she made her way through our fundamentals program. London was quickly drafted to the G.I. Janes upon completing the program  and immediately went to work establishing herself as a pivotal member of that team. This hard work resulted in London receiving the Rookie of The Year award for 2016. Twenty-seventeen looks to be another big year for London in the derby world.

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Smiling for the camera during an OCRD practice.

London plays hard both on and off the track. An avid traveller, London has toured some of the most culturally rich places in Europe, and is currently on her second visit to London. London goes to London!!!  And when she’s not travelling and playing derby, London is jamming on her electric guitar.

London Brawling is an absolute badass to have on the track, on your team of course, ( When she’s on the other team, well, she’s not so much of an asset. ) and a stellar league mate. We’re looking forward to seeing more from her in 2017.

The Dirty Deets

Derby Name: London Brawling

Derby #: 1979

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London lays a block on an opposing jammer. Photo credit: unknown, will update when we find out.

Hometown: Edmonton

Height/weight: 5’8″, 245 lbs

Position played: Blocker, occasionally pivot

Team (s) played for: GI Janes, Space Oddities

 

 

 

You can come watch London Brawling, and all your other favourite derby players, during our annual Lotus Invitational on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Doors open at 4pm. Tickets are 10$ at the door.

Skater Spotlight – Al Diablo

Its a new year! And with a new year, we have a new skater spotlight. 
And to start 2017 off right, we have the indomitable Al Diablo.

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Photo credit: Anthony Canada

Al and I have had many discussions over the years about derby. This time, I recorded it! You can listen to it here.

Al reminisces about derby and offers some words of wisdom

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As a green ref, Al Diablo helps fix the track during an E-ville game in 2011 Photo Credit: Anthony Canada
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Al looks disappointingly at the refs while coaching the River City Riot during Flat Track Fever in 2015. Photo Credit: Moloich Photography

Al Diablo has been a long time member of OCRD, and an even longer time member of the derby community, having begun his derby experience as a derby girl catcher at a game over 7 years ago. He then moved on to reffing for  E-ville at the urging of a friend, and until his retirement ( may or may not be permanent ) from playing derby in December of 2016, Al was the longest active player of Edmonton’s men’s team, River City Riot, having taken on the role of captain and co-captain respectively.Over the years, Al has been an incredibly dedicated member of the derby community, travelling all over Alberta to both ref and play. There have been summers where nearly every weekend has been filled with derby related events for Al. As a member of OCRD, Al spent time serving on the board as both Athletics Director and Communications Director. This was on top of being captain of the River City Riot, a member of the training crew, head referee, and a player. He has alsotaken on the role of coach for the River City Riot when injuries have prevented him from playing.

 

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Showing off his infectious smile after a practice with Heartland Roller Derby in Fort Saskatchewan, along with good friend Hammer, and fellow OCRD skaters Roxy Belle Boa and Barbicidal Maniac.
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Al, assisted by the power of BEER socks, lays a hit on Nomad of the Red Deer Dreadnaughts.

As mentioned in the interview, as a player, Al is always wily and sneaky, which leads him to be incredibly effective in both the blocker and jammer roles. Couple that with on track awareness, and a drive to win, Al is a force on the track. Although, frustration can sometimes get the better of Al on the track ( I understand the irony of that coming from me ), his quick wit and ready smile are the norm for him while on the track and off. As a player, Al has had the opportunity to share the track with some of the best skaters in the world, including Puget Sound Outcast Derby ( currently ranked #6 ), Magic Johnson ( Edmonton’s first Men’s national team member ), Team NinjaJapan ( Japan’s men’s national team ), and various members of the Glenmore Resevoir Dogs out of Calgary.

 

 

 

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While donating blood during a River City Riot blood drive, Al looks as dapper as usual.

Through all the ups and downs derby has to offer, Al has continued to be a strong leader within the community. Seven years of dedication to a sport is nothing to be taken lightly, and although he has retired ( for now ) as a player, the sport is well served having Al Diablo stick around to put me in the penatly box.

Thank you for your dedication, Al. This league and this sport would not be the same without you.

 

 

 

 

The Dirty Deets

Name: Al Diablo, Horny Bits
Number: 1m1 ( 11 )
Age: 44
Height/Weight: 5’10 / 217 lbs
Position/Role:
PBJ, Head ref, JR, IPR, OPR, NSO *
Team(s) played for/role in league: 
River City Riot ( men’s ), Alberta Dreadnaughts ( Gentlemen’s ), Space Oddities ( coed ), Drillbits ( coed ), Assault n’ Peppered & Fistful Officials ( officiating crew ), Woodpeckers ( coed )
Quote: ” Yes, that’s a penalty. That’s why I whistled and pointed at you, ”
” Fine, just give me the star if nobody else will, “

* For those who don’t know:
JR = Jam Ref
IPR = Inside Pack Ref
OPR = Outsdie Pack Ref
NSO = Non-skating official ( we always need more of these people… hint hint *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to score some points with your loved one this Valentine’s weekend? Unattached and want something fun to do on the weekend of love? 
Enjoy music, silly games, and nostalgic things? 

JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 11 FOR 
sweetheartrollerdisco

No sweetheart required

 

Skater Spotlight – End’hers

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End’hers helps block F’n Fury, of Highway 14 Roller Derby, at Fall Brawl, September 2016. Photo credit: Brangwyn Jones: Photographer

The November skater spotlight is here and this month we are featuring one of ourrookie skaters, End’hers.

End’hers and I sat down prior to practice one evening and had a chat about her derby experience and balancing her home life with her derby life. You can listen in on our chat below.

 

End’hers tells us about life/derby balance

 

End’hers is a tenacious skater, and you can clearly see her tenacity and determination when she plays. Don’t let her small stature deceive you, she’s a tough opponent andd a fierce competitor. Although she has faced some struggles with some of the skills and game play of derby, she has never given up. Her progress has been incredible and we are nothing but excited to see where End’hers will take her derby

End'hers ( right ) and Rump Roast ( left ) ready to compete against each other in the 2016 Lotus Rookie Invitational.
End’hers ( right ) and Rump Roast ( left ) ready to compete against each other in the 2016 Lotus Rookie Invitational.

play in the very near future. This spring, she was drafted to the OCRD house team Dirty Harriets, and I am very thankful to have her as a teammate. I definitely do not want to go up against her.

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End’hers and her son enjoy the great outdoors.

Off the track, End’hers is quiet and light spoken, but she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Always one to offer a hand or an opinion, she is a very valuable member of our league.

End'hers races to help teammate A'muse lock the Highway 14 Roller Derby jammer at Fall Brawl 2016
End’hers races to help teammate A’muse lock the Highway 14 Roller Derby jammer at Fall Brawl 2016

The Dirty Deets

Derby name: End’hers
Derby #: 19
Height: 5’2
Weight: 150 lbs
Hometown: Halifax, N.S.
Position Played: Blocker
Team: Dirty Harriets

Don’t forget.

November 26 is our annual Sk8mare Invitational. Come on out and watch three exciting derby bouts. Information available here on the Events page.
sk8mare

 

 

 

 

Skater Spotlight – Diva De Mortis

This month’s skater spotlight is veteran skater Diva De Mortis.

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Diva poses for the camera in a way that is uniquely hers.

Diva and I sat down and chatted about her over 5 years with Oil City Roller Derby, the experiences that come with being an older skater, and what she’s looking forward to as she continues to play this sport.

You can listen to that conversation here.

Diva De Mortis Tells It Like It Is

 

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Diva often attends Pride festivities in both Edmonton and Vancouver.

Diva has been a consistent force with Oil City for over 5 years now. In that time, she has proven herself invaluable, not only on the track but off. She has lead the league through a transition and rebuilding period as league president over the last three years, and her service in that role has been greatly appreciated. Thank you, Diva!

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Making her voice heard on the track is not something Diva is afraid of. And here she is doing just that.

Diva is also a force to be reckoned with on the track. Her game face can be truly terrifying, and playing against her often hurts. She is solid and determined, whether she is hunting down the opposing jammer, or creating offensive holes for her own jammer, you don’t want to be in her way. Diva is also the coach of our men’s team, River City Riot, and the MRDA men’s team Alberta Dreadnaughts.

As Diva is always working on improving herself, both on the track and off, her future in the league and the sport will be exciting to watch.

The Dirty Deets

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Diva’s game face. As mentioned, terrifying.

Derby Name: Diva De Mortis

Derby #: 1918

Age: 43

Height/weight: 5’7″/170lbs

Hometown: Edmonton

Position played: PBJ (less J these days)*

Team (s) played for:  Previous: Tank’er Girls, Drill Bits, OCDG All Stars

                                Current: OCDG ( OCRD Travel Team ), GI Janes, Space                                                            Oddities, River City Riot, Alberta Dreadnaughts.

    * For those not up with the derby lingo, PBJ refers to a player who plays all positions: Pivot, Blocker, and Jammer. It also refers to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, my personal favourite, but that isn’t relavant. *

What do you have planned for November 26, 2016? 
Nothing? Well, why don’t you join us for our annual Ska8mare event. Three action packed derby games featuring skaters from all over Alberta and elsewhere, including co-ed, rookie, and womens games. 
sk8mare

 

Skater Spotlight – Stupid Sexy Flanders

This month’s skater spotlight is none other than Stupid Sexy Flanders!!

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Stupid Sexy Flanders, in all his stupid sexy glory.

I had the opportunity to sit down and have a little chat with Stupid Sexy Flanders about his time with OCRD, his thoughts on roller derby, and what he’s looking forward to in the future of this sport.  Take a listen.

Stupid Sexy Flanders bares ” nothing at all…”

Flanders is an incredibly hard working and thoroughly enjoyable skater to have on the track, not to mention that running into him is a kin to running into a freight train. He has propelled himself from an awkward, unsteady skater when he started to the absolute powerhouse he is today. And he continues to work his stupid sexy butt off to get better. We look forward to seeing the heights that this man can attain.

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Just prior to his first game, Flanders poses for the camera.

Here are the Dirty Deets about Stupid Sexy Flanders

Derby Name: Stupid Sexy Flanders

Derby Number: 662

Age: 27

Weight: 230 lbs

Hometown: Toronto

Position played: Blocker

Team Played for: River City Riot ( Men’s ), Space Oddities ( Co-ed )

Quote: ” Diddly “

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Stupid sexy cake for Stupid Sexy Flanders

Stay turned for next month’s skater profile. Who will it be? You’ll have to watch this space to find out!

Interested in playing derby, or being involved? Join us September 6 and 8 for our recruitment week.  Contact membership@ocrd.ca for more info.

Skater Spotlight: John “Stephen Blawking” Logan

May’s spotlight touches base with captain of the River City Riot, Stephen Blawking, who recently headed down to Oregon with his fellow Riot members to play in the Big O Tournament (playing under the banner of the Red Deer Dreadnaughts).


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Name: Stephen Blawking
Number:  9.81
Team: River City Riot, Near Death Stars


Is there a story behind your name/number?

I was christened by the lovely and talented Pyr-Ophelia.

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

I used to watch “Roller Jam” on TNN. 6 years ago we went to a derby game for a friend’s birthday. I loved it.

My wife, Babe Slamenko, started playing before I did. Watching her progress and become involved in the derby community made me want to coach.

When the RIOT held their first practice, Hammer invited me down. I was hooked.

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

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River City Riot vs. St. Albert Arch Angels (April 2014). Photo (c) STAHR.

Blocker, voice on the track. I will wear the pivot stripe, but prefer to leave that helmet cover to the alternate jammers.

What is your best derby memory?

Our first win. We had a lot of fun.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

Excited to be playing MRDA sanctioned games. Always have fun playing with new skaters. Enjoy watching them excel and challenge for their spot on the team.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Try everything and fail. Then, try it again. You’re going to be more successful the next time, and the next time. Eventually, you will master the skill you once found daunting.


In case you missed them earlier this month, you can still watch footage of all the games that the Dreadnaughts played in Oregon at this link: http://ecrg.com/bigo/

Skater Spotlight: Kayla “Kay-os” Becvar

This month’s spotlight is on one of our trainers here at OCRD and, coincidentally, our poster girl for the game on April 10!


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Name:
Kay-os
Number: 24
Team: Dirty Harriets, Near Death Stars, and Oil City Derby Girls (travel team)
Member of OCRD since: April 2014 (almost exactly 1 year!)

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

My name is Kay-os. I am a blocker and the captain of the Dirty Harriets.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

My number has always been #24 in all the sports I’ve played throughout my life; volleyball, basketball, etc. It just felt natural to stick with it for derby as well. I picked the name “Kay-os” because it kind of summarizes my lifestyle. I always seem to have a thousand things on the go and usually over-commit and dive into things head first, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having nothing on my plate is boring and relaxing doesn’t come easy to me. I thrive on a busy, jam-packed, chaotic schedule and suspect I will always keep it that way. Obviously the “Kay” portion of my name is because my name is Kayla.

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Photo (c) Chris Edwards.

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

I have been playing roller derby since May of 2012. This is my fourth season. Strangely enough, I watched “Whip-It” and the next day went to buy some sunglasses and the optician who was helping me caught on to the fact that I was new in town. She then ran into the back room and brought back a recruitment poster and told me she was the President of the Gold City Roller Girls (Timmins, ON) and wanted me to come. I was extremely hesitant. I felt like I was not “roller derby” material. I wasn’t tough enough. I wasn’t strong enough. And I certainly couldn’t walk into a room of tough chicks without knowing anyone. But, something inside of me knew that I’d regret it if I didn’t go. So I went and have never looked back. I used to always feel like something was missing in my life. I had no real hobbies or interests that kept me busy. Now I have something that I am passionate about and dedicate pretty much all of my free-time to.

Why did you pick OCRD for your league?

My partner (Hyde) and I moved to Edmonton from Ontario and wanted to play together like we had back home. It was the natural choice to pick the only co-ed league in Edmonton. But, we soon realized that not only was OCRD the only co-ed league around, but it was the best league and we absolutely love it here! We were welcomed in immediately and have settled in quite nicely I’d say. 🙂

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

I like to block. Jamming terrifies me and, until I can get over that, blocking is my happy place. I really enjoy the strategy and teamwork involved and love playing offence and defense at the same time. Jamming is awesome, but I prefer the strategy of blocking.

11019841_886665581404622_1048511900232633457_oWhat is your best derby memory?

RDAC Eastern Regionals in 2013. The Northeastern Ontario travel team I played for flew 1300km to Windsor, Ontario to compete in this tournament. We ended up playing 5 of the 10 games in the tournament and 3 of them were back to back (literally, with about a 10 minute break in between). We were completely exhausted and running on adrenaline and Red Bull. We went into the tournament having no idea where we stood and ended up taking 2nd place. It truly felt like 1st though (because the 1st place team was like Gotham compared to anyone else in the tournament). If RDAC hadn’t folded the day of the tournament (yes, really), then we would have advanced to finals. The feeling was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. But more importantly, this is where I met Hyde. He was the head ref for the tournament and the second I saw him yell “No pack!,” I knew he had to be mine. I asked him out that night, although he didn’t really catch on right away, and we’ve been together ever since!

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

I plan to tryout again at the next round of Team Alberta recruitment. I would love to be involved in a high level competitive team with so many amazing skaters to learn from. Team Canada is a very far away dream. But I can dream…

Step 1 is to seriously improve my fitness off-skates. After three seasons of derby I’ve learned that I can’t take it to the next level without putting a great deal of focus on what I do off the track.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

My advice to new/future skaters is that you CAN do this! I was the person who laughed out loud when I was handed a recruitment poster. I thought to myself “I’m not tough enough for this” and didn’t think it was my scene. You can do this.

Also, that derby will take as much as you are willing to give. So figure out how much you want to give and make that clear to everyone around you. Some people just want to get some exercise, some people want to play for Team Canada. It’s easier for everyone if we all know what eachothers goals are. If you want to be the best, we’ve got some amazing men and women here to learn from and they’ll tell you, you need to do workout outside of practice to excel. If you want to play for exercise and meeting new people, there is absolutely a place for you here too!

But my biggest piece of advice is not to compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Truly. You can’t step onto the track after one month and be disappointed in yourself because you don’t look like Wingman or Clumzy Luver yet (name drop to my peeps, haha). Some of us have been skating for 4+ years. Set baselines for yourself. Compare your progress on a monthly or quarterly basis with laps, times, technique, etc. Keep a journal of what you’re struggling with and what you rock at. Don’t be afraid to fall. It’s really not a big deal and, I assure you, nobody cares or probably even looked twice.

Oh and, of course, Oil City is the the best league ever. Obviously.

Skater Spotlight: Erin “Luna Shovegood” Howard

In honor of our semi-annual Recruitment Week, this month’s skater spotlight highlights a very recent graduate of our Fundamentals Program, and very recent addition to the league who is fitting in juuust fine.


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Name:
Luna Shovegood
Number:  31
Team: Damage, Inc.
Member of OCRD since: January 2015

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

By day, I’m a Life Claims Administrator for Alberta Blue Cross (yeah, it’s as depressing as you’d think). I’ve got a pretty bad potty mouth, so I could never move to Taber. I’m fiercely loyal to those I love and will fight to the death for them. I’m also an opera singer! I’ve got a Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance, which, in an ideal world, I would be getting paid for. But until that day, you’ll have to catch me singing the anthem at our next bout!

Is there a story behind your name/number?

I’m a HUGE Harry Potter nerd. Like for real. When I was 11, I prayed every night all summer prior to grade 7 (when Muggle-born witches and wizards would receive their letter) that I would get my Admission Letter for Hogwarts. When I didn’t, I cried myself to sleep for weeks. And my first day of Muggle junior high was the most dreaded day of my life. My parents had to buy me a rabbit so I would stop crying. It was a legitimate problem, and I bet my parents seriously considered psychiatric help from professionals. I’ve read the first 5 books 31 times each and the last two 9 times (who has time to catch up like that, amirite?).

But back to the real question…I always loved Luna Lovegood. She doesn’t give a crap about what people think about her. She’s badass, and doesn’t get enough credit for being so. Soooo basically, Luna Shovegood just felt right. And 31 is the day of Harry Potter’s birthday. Which is in July, in case you were wondering (I’m sure you were…don’t lie).

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

I have NEVER been athletic (seriously, the only goal I ever scored in 10 years of soccer was on my own net), I always preferred being on stage to sports. But I needed exercise, and I wanted to make new friends. So I looked into roller derby. I hemmed and hawed for about a year, and finally, when the monotony of my life really started getting to me, I completed my Fresh Meat program with another all-women’s league in November of 2014 and started with OCRD in January! So be gentle with me, I’m still new! (Just kidding…you can hit me! I’m not afraid!)

Why did you pick OCRD for your league?

When I started my Fresh Meat I didn’t have full gear because it was held up at customs and got sent back two or three times before it came in. I was friended on Facebook by Badger Badger, who without even knowing me offered to lend me gear just to get me rolling. She seriously didn’t even shake my hand before she left a bag full of gear on her front steps for me to take…and trusted that I wouldn’t steal it!

I didn’t even know that there was more than one derby league in Edmonton, but I knew in my heart that if someone from another league was willing to help me out so much, I wanted to be a part of that league. So I made the switch, and I’m seriously the happiest girl in the world for it!

Luna doing some A+ blocking at our recent Francey Pants guest coaching session.  Photo (c) Ruby Rocket
Shovey doing some A+ blocking at our recent Francey Pants guest coaching session. Photo (c) Ruby Rocket

What is your best derby memory?

My best derby memory is easy. I had bussed from work to practice, and upon arrival, I discovered that I hadn’t brought pants. I was wearing a VERY office-appropriate dress that wasn’t really derby-practice material (no pun intended). As soon as I realized I forgot pants, Motor Vader literally took her shorts off of her body and gave them to me to wear. She didn’t even hesitate. It was that moment I realized that OCRD isn’t just a league, it’s a family. And I’ll never forget that feeling.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

My plans are simple. To skate until the day I can’t anymore.

My goals are simple too. I’d die if I got drafted to the GI Janes when I benchmark (the first bout I ever went to was a Janes match, and from the first jam I loved them all), but as long as I continue to learn more about derby and myself, I’ll be the happiest camper and cow bell-ringer at every bout.

Anything else you’d like to say?

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Self, I think roller derby would be fun!” you should just do it. Seriously. It may seem intimidating, but the people that are a part of Oil City Roller Derby will make you feel like family on your first practice. Then the skills will fall into place, and you’ll quickly become the bad ass you’ve always wanted to be. If you’re concerned that you’re not fit enough to join, that doesn’t matter either! You will be in NO time!


Well, you heard her!  There’s still time to come on out and give it a shot.  We’ll see you all on March 19!

Skater Spotlight: Leihan “Bloody Fairy” Pittman

Better late than never, introducing our February skater of the month, Bloody Fairy!


fairyName: Bloody Fairy
Number: 131
Team: Dirty Harriets & Space Oddities
Member of OCRD since: 2013

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

Who am I?  That’s a good question.  I wear many hats. I work at the University of Alberta in Newborn Screening and Biochemical Genetics as a lab assistant. I’m also a mom of two amazing kids. I’m an eternal optimist and your biggest cheerleader.


Is there a story behind your name/number?

13 is my favorite number.  Friday the 13ths are my favorite days but 13 was taken. I chose 131 because my birthday is Jan 31 and it had 13 in it.  Seemed to make sense.

When I chose my name I had a hard time thinking of something that represented me accurately.  I’m not exactly intimidating.  I chose Bloody Fairy because I worked in a lab taking blood for 12 years. Then moved over to the blood bank for a few more years. It was fitting and I still get to sparkle.

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

I wanted to try derby for years but was too scared to. I finally decided to take the plunge because people laughed and told me I couldn’t do it. I’d get killed. I wasn’t tough or mean enough.   I’ve never played any sports. I’m not athletic but they’re not laughing anymore.

Why did you pick OCRD for your league?

I didn’t even check out other leagues. OCRD Was an immediate fit. I felt immediately encouraged and supported. I felt at home.

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

I’m built like a blocker but I prefer to jam.  I’d love to be an amazing jammer one day.

What is your best derby memory?

My best derby memory…yikes there’s so many. I’d say my very first bout in Ft. St. John. I actually played like I knew what was going on. Haha.
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Bloody Fairy at the Battle of the Names, where Space Oddities took the win. Photo (c) Ruby Rocket

The best part was when pile driver came to me after celebrating heavily and said…loosely quoted..”Bloody when I heard you were on my line I was like. …oh f**k. Great. But you really showed up and you were there.” I laughed because when I found out I was on her line. I had the same reaction.  Oh f**k. Great. Only because I had a history of constantly getting under her feet in practice. I knew I was a source of irritation a lot for her. It all worked out.

Number 2 best memory was when Trip decided to bully me on my first scrimmage when I was jamming. I didn’t know jammers could block and hit each other. It was a great learning experience even if I was clueless to what the hell was going on. So thanks for that!

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

Just to keep improving.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

If it’s uncomfortable then it’s likely something that needs to be worked on the most. Power through. Don’t worry about how you look. You don’t get better by standing around looking pretty. Attitude is everything. You can turn anything around with the right attitude. You can’t control a lot of things but how you react you can.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I love my derby family.


And we love you, Fairy!