Submitted by Abby Lewtas
Avalanche City Roller Girls
Fernie's Avalanche City Roller Girls (ACRG) were at it again this weekend, travelling to Spokane, Washington for the fifth annual "killer roller derby tournament" known as Spokarnage. The action got underway on Friday afternoon with ACRG facing off against lower seed Willamette Kidney Thieves. ACRG took the lead from the start and never looked back, being the first team of the tournament to break 200 points in a 30 minute bout, leaving the score at a comfortable victory of 247 to 16.
Next up ACRG met the Guns and Rollers, a house team of Portland's long standing Rose City Roller Girls. With spectators on their feet and intense pressure on both teams, ACRG came out victors with a win of 60 to 58.
Saturday rolled in and ACRG rolled out against OPP, a pick up team from some of the best skaters on the west coast, including Team USA skaters. ACRG held their own and were not disappointed by their defeat of 152 to 45.
An hour later, they were on track again against Vancouver Island's Allstars. Coming right from their previous tough battle, ACRG regained their focus and pulled off another win of 88 to 61, in yet another high pressure situation.
ACRG's hard work had progressed them to the full hour bouts and they were scheduled to play the Sockit Wenches, a house team from Seattle's famous Rat City Roller Girls. The Sockit Wenches took the win 186 to 132 and went on the place second in the tournament, with OPP taking first place.
ACRG left Spokarnage with their heads held high and many new fans.
ACRG has an exciting home season in store for Fernie this year. Elk Valley residents will finally have a chance to experience the excitement that is roller derby with five local games (one in Sparwood). Now recognized as one of the fastest growing sports in North America, ACRG are encouraging locals to come out and support their local roller derby team.
The first bout will take place on Saturday, May 10 against Nelson's Killjoys, last year's West Kootenay champions and is sure to be an exciting match up.
For more information, please visit www.fernierollerderby.com.