Tag Archives: River City Riot

Skater Spotlight

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).

Stephen Blawking 981

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

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!