A new local campaign for St. Louis-based Arch Rival Roller Derby launches this weekend and a quartet of talented teams look to jockey for the upper-half of the standings.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The doubleheader at Queeny Park’s Midwest Sport Hockey (570 Weidman, Ballwin, MO) begins at 6:30 pm with the defending champions, the Smashinistas, tangling with last season’s runner-ups, Rebel Skate Alliance. Then in the night cap, the M-80s and the Stunt Devils renew their rivalry that dates back to 2007.
Celebrating their fifteenth birthday this year, ARCH holds their four-event regular season over the next three months and the finale for the trophy takes place in early-April.
Returning skaters and hard-charging newcomers are plentiful in all four-teams. The pair of sixty-minute tussles features athletes from the local franchise currently ranked fifth internationally by the Women’s Flat-Track Derby Association (WFTDA).
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The Smashinistas claimed their fourth ARCH title last April and a plethora of starters return. Jammers Frowntown and Skeevie Nicks are joined by returning blockers Cloak N’ Dragher, Gnarley Carbsmashian, Smash Money, Intensive Carrot, Urgent Carrot, Nigel Smashberry, WyldeSyde, Oliver Smash and Regrets. Newcomers to the team include Shady Hawkins Skulpix and T-Bex.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The same can be said of Rebel Skate Alliance, who made a triumphant return to the flat-track after a four-year absence and finished the regular season 5-1. RSA fields a veteran jammer rotation of Darth Tator, Admiral Aggbar and Carth O’Nasty and are assisted by blockers Han Rolo, Obi-Wan Kenosebleed, Jabba the Butt, Zombie Plagueis, Wookie Monster, Lethal Dose, SITH HAPPENS! and Titanium Falcon. Newly added skaters Strawberry MILFShake, Jam-It Ginger, Holiday Special and PhoeB-8 are set for impressive debuts.
Meanwhile, both the M-80s and Stunt Devils experienced upward trajectories late last season and with healthy pre-season drafts, both are considered worthy contenders for the crown in April.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The M-80s jammer rotation is topped by L’okey Doki, who claimed numerous triple-digit performances last season and Camp Kwitcherbitchin’ will supplement while blockers Scouts Horror, Pecan Misandry, Slam Shakusky, Crumbledore, Curl Scout, Wood Bang, Fart & Crafts, S’more Cowbell and Trampfire lay down the foundation. Returning ARCH skaters Soundproof and JJ and rookie Kick S’More Ass rounds out the roll call for the troopers.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Finally, Stunt Devils arguably are an outside favorite for a title appearance based upon the solid returning line-up boosted by a robust draft. Jammers Scarrie Fisher, Zoe Hell and Force Choke propelled the points while blockers Rhonda Lousy, Black Dynamite, Sir Ian McKillin’ set-up the walls. The additions, which include Downtown Dallis, Rock Slobster, Shiv Tyler, Skaty Perry, Tina Faceplant, Bette Davis Thighz and Thrasher, add additional depth.
Tickets for the twin bill are $15 at the door while children 10 and under get in free. Save $3 on advance individual tickets and $6 on advance group tickets by visiting this link.
For more info on ARCH, visit their official website.
Arch City Media will be in attendance Saturday and will have a full recap of both games on Sunday.
Season passes for ARCH’s six-event docket are on sale for $60 at the same link. This includes special attractions from Dynamo Pro Wrestling on February 1, St. Louis Junior Derby on March 16 and a travel team contest on April 25.
ARCH RIVAL ROLLER DERBY LOCAL SEASON
All events at Midwest Sport Hockey at Queeny Park
SAT 1/11 SMASHINISTAS vs. REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE & M-80s vs. STUNT DEVILS
SAT 2/1 SMASHINISTAS vs. STUNT DEVILS Also: Dynamo Pro Wrestling Event
SAT 2/29 M-80s vs. SMASHINISTAS & STUNT DEVILS vs. REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE
SAT 3/21 REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE vs. M-80s Also: ST. LOUIS JUNIOR DERBY EXPO
SAT 4/4 ARCH CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT 3rd Game & Championship Game
SAT 4/25 ARCH FLUER DE LINQUENTS & NEMESIS vs. TBA
