The local “squads on quads” for St. Louis-based Arch Rival Roller Derby (ARCH) and GateKeepers Roller Derby (GKRD) stride to the flat-track Saturday night as they collectively continue their six-event regular season 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 Smashinistas (1-0) tussle with the M-80s (0-1) while in the men’s nightcap that follows, the Central West Friends (1-0) and the Creve Coroners (1-0) clash for Turf Wars standings’ bragging rights.
The undefeated Smashinistas, the current reigning ARCH champs, claimed a 177-168 win over the Stunt Devils at the League’s season opener in December. In the contest, newly-acquired jammer Vicious Van GoGo collected 83 points that paced scoring while Bolt Action and Flash also notched multi-lap passes in the ledger.
Smashies’ blocking was paced by Cloak N’ Drag-Her, Smarty McFly, Rock Slobster, Spock N’ Roll, Professor Rumbledore, Birdsong, Hero-Shima, Holliver Fist, Girl Fawkes and Outlaw Josie Wheels. Newcomer Poison Ivy is also expected to help her sistren.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The troopers have won six games straight and need to fire at full levels considering the potential buzz saw that they have to face Saturday.
The M-80s dropped their season opener last month against the Stunt Devils, 222-157, but there was plenty of optimism to be found as the red-flannels performed the contest without key players in the line-up.
M-80s’ newcomer Bad Axe scored 53 points in the game. After an opening night absence, top-flight jammer Shoulder, CO returns to the fold Saturday for an upswing in offense. Bloody Gaga and BEECH, PLEASE! are also projected to contribute to the scoring ledger.
Blockers Lumberjam, Ginger, Snoop Dogwood, Jenny Loggins, Fight Shrub, Sumack Down, Chop It Like It’s Hot, Sequoia Destro-Ya and Maul Bunyan will set up the walls and recent addition Big Red aims for an initial splash.
If the M-80s claim victory Saturday, the League standings will display a three-way tie at season’s midpoint as all three squads will have identical 1-1 records.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile in the highly-anticipated men’s game between unbeatens, a two-way tie in the GKRD Wars’ standings will be broken after the ending whistle.
The undefeated Creve Coroners were impressive in their 199-109 victory over the Raiders of Forest Park in January. A mix of seasoned veterans and incoming skaters set the tone to the victory. Veteran jammer Magnum P.I.M.P. paced Coroners’ scoring while newcomers Shred Astaire, Beddes and Jammy Pacquiao contributed to the inevitable win with multi-lap rotations. Blockers Nix, Boney Fangers, Double Excel, Hulk, Otter Nonsense, baby legs and Wrecks Appeal are primed to claim back-to-back wins.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Also seeking a second triumph this season, and fifth straight win overall, are the undefeated Central West Friends, who notched a 191-123 topper over the Raiders last December. Jammer Bower Ranger topped CWF’s scoring with 82 points. Last Rites and Fruit Wall-Up will also see multiple rotations while blockers SoGo, Percy Controll, Fruit WallUp, The Great Stromboli, Yoshi, Thrillho and Quadratic Evasion will lay down the foundation.
This one is anticipated to be a “knock-out, drag-out” showdown and whoever claims victory will certainly have earned it.
Admission 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 watch the action for $8. VISIT THIS LINK for online discounts.
For more information on ARCH, visit their official website.
For more information on GKRD, visit their official website.
Arch City Sports will be in attendance at Saturday’s double header and will have a recap posted on Sunday.
Here is a look at both St. Louis roller derby leagues in a feature from the Higher Education Channel (HEC-TV).
