A flat-track flurry is projected this weekend for the local squads of St. Louis-based Arch Rival Roller Derby and GateKeepers Roller Derby as they collectively continue their six-event regular season Saturday night at Queeny Park’s Midwest Sport Hockey (570 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO).
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
In the women’s match-up that begins at 6:30 pm, the Stunt Devils (0-1) clash with the M-80s (0-0) and in the men’s nightcap that follows, the Raiders of Forest Park (0-1) battle the Creve Coroners (0-0).
The ARCH contest finds the Stunt Devils looking to even their record following December’s 177-168 setback to the defending League champion Smashinistas. Even in defeat, the daredevils were satisfied with their efforts as they had erased a 40-point deficit and executed at hard-charging levels without the services of two All-Star caliber skaters.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
In the December game, jammer Psychokid D’Freakout paced the squad with 97 points followed by Ultraviolet’s 36 and Aggie Wartooth also contributed numerous rotations with scoring passes.
Anchoring the walls were blockers Cruella Belle-ville, Lethal Dose, Hardcore Parkour, Fletch-A-Sketch, Pegasass, Nox, Bruise Almighty, Joan of Spark and Wonder Thighs. Returning to the Stunts’ line-up this Saturday after a one-game absence will be jammer Bricktator.
Their opponents, the M-80s, take to the flat-track for the first time this season and present a revamped line-up that features a solid mix of familiar faces and newfound acquisitions.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
In the jamming rotation, returnees BEECH, PLEASE!, Twig E. Smalls and Megabirch are set for numerous shifts. Returning blockers include co-captains Snoop Dogwood and Jenny Loggins as well as Ginger, Chop It Like It’s Hot, Fiona Crabapple and Sequoia Destro-Ya.
Newcomers to the “Lumberjacks” this season include jammer Bad Axe, who played with the ARCH All-Stars this past travel season after transferring from Denver Roller Derby, blocker Sumack Down, who formally skated as Pixie Dust-Ruction for the St. Chux Derby Chix, dual threat Big Red, another transfer from SCDC, blocker Maul Bunyan, a transfer from Heavy ArmHER Roller Derby from Fort Irwin, California and rookie Fight Shrub.
The M-80s aim to saw into the ARCH standings and log a two-team tie in the standings.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile in the men’s meeting, the Raiders of Forest Park look to even their record following a 191-123 setback to the Central West Friends in December.
The Raiders were hampered by penalties in the first period but, to their credit, cleaned up play and inevitably outscored the defending champs in the second half that leads to optimism this weekend.
Jammers D. Mouthful and A. Black scored 58 and 44 points, respectively, in the game and solid rotations were recorded by blockers Spin Diesel, Atom Bomb, Slammin’ T. Killa, Woolsy Mammoth, Arty Panimal, Carly Slay Jepsen, Mud, Cunningham, Nate Bower and Dr. Dredd.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Conversely, the Creve Coroners make their initial strides on the flat-track this Saturday. The medics finished last season 1-3 and have yet to make it to a Turf Wars’ title tilt. However, the script could be flipped with a victory in their launcher.
The offense is propelled by jammers Magnum P.I.M.P. and Shred Astaire and returning blockers Boney Fangers, Hulk, Nix, Double Excel, Specs and Otter Nonsense. New to the Coroners this season are Jammy Pacquiao, Beddes, baby legs and Wrecks Appeal.
Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader at the door are $12 while children 10 and under get in free. Adult tickets purchased in advance online at Brown Paper Tickets are $10 while groups of six and more can get a ticket for $8. VISIT THIS LINK for online discounts.
For more information on ARCH, go to their official website.
For more information on GKRD, go to their official website.
Arch City Sports will be at Saturday’s doubleheader and will have a full recap on Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
