Hellions of Troy Roller Derby

I broke my truck

2011-11-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

Well, one of the trucks of my skate. During practice. I thought I was doomed to skate in rentals for the next couple weeks, but then Massacre happened to have an extra truck. Tossing it at me, he said, undo the bolt, take off the truck, and put the new one on the same way.

Wut?

Check out this diagram of a skate that I found at quadskating.com. Lets just say that 24 hours ago, I did not know anything about parts 2 - 6. Not many numbers, but really - look at all those parts!

After removing the broken truck (simply taking a skate took to bolt #2) it was actually very easy to switch it out.

Why did my truck break? I suspect because it's been over two years since I got my skates, and apparently trucks matched for this plate are notorious for breaking. Anyway - no matter really...because I'm in the process of ordering new skates! But that's another blog for another day.

Lesson: don't fear your skates! Don't be afraid to take them apart if something is wrong. I even waited over a year before changing my wheels for the first time... sheesh! No worries. As Miranda Wrights says: Roller skates, the friends beneath your feet.

Happy skating!

Hello Denver

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

Packing last minute.

This isn't a total derby update, just a little post about my first day in Denver, the day before the 2011 WFTDA Championship Tournament started.

The second weekend in November I attended the 2011 WFTDA Championships in Denver, CO. Even though I got my tickets to Championships back in August, this was kind of a fly by the seat of my pants trip. I wasn't 100% sure I was going to get my time off from work approved, so I put off buying plane tickets as long as possible. I thought I might not get to go period.

I also wasn't sure where I was going to stay. Everything came together barely three weeks before the tournament - it turned out Jonny Malice of Capital District Trauma Authority was moving out to Denver November 1 -- taking the "long" way there but arriving just days before Championships, so he invited me to stay with him for the weekend. Putting that one thing in place ended up being a catalyst, because two days later my time off from work was approved and by the end of the weekend I had my plane tickets booked.

So fast forward. I flew out Thursday morning. It was my first time flying solo but I did a good job catching all my flights and finding the right gates. I love looking out airplane windows. I always try to look for baseball fields. Here's a shot of Colorado at the beginning of our descent into Denver. No baseball diamonds, but lots of squares.

Malice picked me up from the airport and we grabbed some lunch with his dad who, who made the road trip out with him (he flew back to Albany on Friday morning). It was really important to me to get to Denver a day before the tournament started because I knew I wanted to see at least a little of the city and they surrounding area.

Luckily, we found the perfect place to check out that afternoon: Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park. The Amphitheater is amazing. There were a lot of people exercising on the stairs, and we saw some other derby people checking it out, too. I heard Gotham flew out to Denver a week early - I wonder if they did any training there? It also reminded me of Roarshock, who is also praising plyometrics.

The Amphitheater is build right into the mountain. We were there at sunset and it was so beautiful. There was a hiking trail (a little over 1 mile) so we checked that out, too. Here's some pictures:

This is at the top of the amphitheater. That's Denver in the distance.
My scarf blowing in the wind haha.

Red Rocks!

On the trail.

After the hike we headed to Boulder to have dinner and take a walk around. Boulder reminds me of Burlington, VT. At the bar where we had dinner there was football games on every TV - not just NFL but also college. It appears Boulder is kind of a big college football area. We also saw a quick segment about Championships on the TV?? I think it was a news interview. Exciting!!

The weather all weekend was perfect. It was 60 degrees and sunny every day.

So that concludes my first day in Denver. I do plan to write more about my trip - and of course the tournament - so tune in for that. I am so happy that I was able to go after all!

MRDA Champs

2011-11-04T07:41:00.000-04:00

If you are keeping track at home, you will notice that I traveled to Baltimore three times in the span of a month (August into September) and in October I found myself rolling down 87 thrice for adventures in NYC/Long Island - the Gotham Boot Camp, CDTA vs NYSE, and on October 22 - Men's Roller Derby Association (MRDA) Championships. The event took place at Skate Safe America (also LIRR's venue) and was hosted by the New York Shock Exchange.

New York Shock Exchange

My second post ever on this blog was about men's roller derby. Since then I've come to appreciate it more and more. I definitely see some differences between the way men and women play, but I like watching both.

MRDA Champs featured six teams from around the United States:
Dallas Deception (Texas)
Magic City (somewhere in Florida)
St. Louis Gatekeeper (Missouri)
Puget Sound (Seattle area)
Pioneer Valley (Western Mass)
New York Shock Exchange.

woohoo, PVRD!

PVRD is my favorite MRDA team. Ever since I saw them last year, I've been all about the mustaches. I also love the Shock Exchange, cause hell yeah New York! Plus they're all super awesome. Side note: CDTA is obviously my favorite not-yet-MRDA team.

The other four leagues I didn't know much about. Dallas? Texas has roller derby, that's cool. St. Louis? The guys with beards. Also, where the heck is St. Louis? Puget Sound = Quadzilla. Magic City? wow... those are some ridiculous names on that roster.

So that's what I was working with going into the tournament.

It was a solid event of all-day derby - there were 8 full length men's bout, plus one women's bout in the middle to break things up. I hung out mostly with the dudes from CDTA and there was also a bunch of people from the Utica Quadfathers there and Central New York players there.

Capital District Trauma Authority
Roarshock, Jonny Malice, Massacre, Wellen Dowd, and Museknuckle

Being the top two ranked teams, St. Louis and NYSE had a first round by. NYSE ended up playing Magic City in the first game, and the score was a lot closer than I expected.

Grambo from CNY volunteering at
MRDA.

Magic City is ridiculous. I mean that in a mostly good way, although at first I was not sure how I felt about them. Rumor had it that most of their skaters have a background in jam skating. They definitely had some fancy footwork. Overall, NYSE played a tighter game strategy-wise and were able to take the win. Check out the Derby News Network recap here. There's a comment which is a bit critical of NYSE's strategy that won them the game, but heck - that is the way derby is played these days. It's just playing smart based on the rules of the game. Anyway, the first picture on that article where Magic City (green) is facing reverse direction pretty much sums up the whole game. It was an exciting game to watch.

PVRD had a tough first game against Puget Sound, who are a powerhouse in the west. After losing to them, they played Dallas Deception, which was a little bit closer.

The best game of the day, in my opinion, was Magic City vs. St. Louis. Two teams I knew little about going into it, but I think this bout exemplified some of the best men's derby has to offer. The two teams were very well matched game and I decided I just really like to watch Magic City skate.
If you watch any videos of the bouts from MRDA Champs, I definitely recommend Magic City vs St. Louis.

These are just my basic impressions from Champs. If you want some real stats based, unbiased recaps you should check out DNN here, here, here, here, and here.

I attended a Gotham Girls Boot Camp and lived to tell the tale

2011-11-03T07:39:00.000-04:00

Another goal I had for 2011 was #4. Attend at least one bootcamp hosted by another league. On October 1, I got my chance! I attended a Gotham Girls Game Strategy Camp and got to skate my tail off for 5 hours, plus a lunch break in the interesting area surrounding their warehouse. So much sweet graffiti. NYC <3. Roarshock, Eloda, and Doc attended off skates and took notes.

The boot camp started off with some off-skates jogging, jumping, and skipping around the track. I saw Gotham do this as part of their warm up at Eastern Regionals. Then we did some dynamic stretching, which felt really good! I felt so warmed up and ready to move. (Two days later would be a different story, when I was pretty much unable to move.)

It was a good mix of skating and talking about strategy. I learned some interesting stuff about how to work in a better wall, the importance of being able to stop quickly, and I even had an "aha!" moment when doing a jammer drill. I also kinda figured out how to almost do a hockey stop.

It was kinda awkward for me at first being the player who brought three coaches with her to the clinic, but in the end I was really glad. Some girls there were the only representatives from their league, so during strategy talks they were also fussing to take good notes. My advice to anyone attending a boot camp: bring an off skates person to take notes for you! The other thing that was bad at first was when I was working on a drill that I wasn't doing it right, I occasionally heard hey Short, you need to get down wayyyy lower! Ahh, all eyes on Short Temper >:( But then when I was practicing hockey stops and sometimes even getting them right I wanted to be like Roarshock, Roarshock, did you see what I did, DID YOU SEE???

Another one of our coaches, Hanna Solo, attended the jammer bootcamp a couple weeks ago. Between her and the rest of our coaching staff we've already done a bunch of new drills, and I think offskates warmups are going to become a regular part of Thursday practice. I am starting to recover quicker from them ^_^. I really do like the offskates warm up drills Gotham showed us though, because it really does make me feel warmed up and ready to skate, more than any other drill I've done before.

Bout recap: CDTA vs. NYSE. October 8, 2011

2011-11-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

The weekend of Saturday, October 8 I headed down to Long Island with Massacre for the Capital District Trauma Authority's bout against the New York Shock Exchange brand new B-Team: the Dow Jones Average, featuring saucy players such as everybody's favorite Jimmy Rage as well as Bane-Ana-on-Skates, or as Wellen's mom put it, "Oh that 1B player - he's so out of control - he's dangerous!" In only the voice a mother could have when a scruffy lad is beating up on her seven-foot-tall son's teammates.

NYSE took the lead early in the game with a 29 point jam by Starsky. I should back up and state that NYSE, as a League, has been a dominant force in men's derby for years. This bout was to be a learning experience for CDTA. And to be fair, there were a few A (B+?) players on NYSE's roster.

Let me get some numbers out of the way: the final score was 194-91, and Roarshock scored 49 of those points and was voted MVP. All of CDTA's jammers had to fight hard for their points, though - Roarshock, Jonny Malice, and Up End Atom faced solid and disciplined walls from the Dow Jones.

Meanwhile, CDTA's blockers faced some of the craziest jammers in the northeast. In my typical sunshine and rainbows bout recap fashion, I am going to hand select a few instances in which I caught some nice teamwork by CDTA.

Wellen, Bear, and what looks like a third CDTA player in the back hold back Jimmy Rage.

I like this next photo series. Hazmatt, one of the newest players on CDTA starts with a nice booty block, and Wellen sees the opportunity to partner up and hit the jammer from the side. In the last frame, you can see he hits out the jammer. But I don't know what happened to Hazmatt? Anyway, good team work!

The ol' 1-2-3 CDTA proverbial punch.

This bout was pretty brutal for CDTA, but in retrospect they now know more about what the need to work on. I gotta say, the dudes from the Shock Exchange are so very, very nice and so willing to talk about derby and give advice - there was a lot of chatting after the bout between the two teams.

Other bout recaps: NYSE and CDTA.

ANYWAY - the other sweet part of the weekend was that we got to stay overnight with Massacre's sister and her husband in NYC. On Sunday we went to the Bronx Zoo which was awesome! I got to see one of my favorite animals: lemurs!! So, I will end this post with one more picture of some of my favorite handsome animals.

The time I tried roller derby refereeing

2011-11-02T00:09:00.003-04:00

Me and Luci D. Dream.

A couple weeks ago we hosted a Sunday night "meat grinder" scrimmage for our newer girls and who took on the Hudson Valley Horrors' newbies. Veteran skaters were invited to watch, NSO, or just help out in some way... I figured this would be a great night to try refereeing!

In the beginning of the year, I talked about my roller goals for 2011. Goal #10: Start learning how to referee.

A quick note: I was thinking of making my ref name "Bad Temper" instead of Short Temper.. hmm? huh? huh? hahaha.

And holy cow there is so much to learn! On Sunday I ~~played~~ ~~worked~~ functioned (?) as an outside pack ref (OPR). I learned how to rotate around the outside of the track with the other two (three total) OPRs. I never paid much attention to how OPRs rotate around the track, but trying it myself was enlightening.

So, first I had to get the rotation down, then next was learning where to look in the pack. As you skate along with the pack on the outside, first they are approaching you, so you watch the front; then they catch up to you so you watch the middle; then as you end your half track rotation (slowing down) you watch the back of the pack. AND, if there's a jammer in the pack, you really got watch them cause who knows what hijinx they will try to pull. I should know.

There's SO MUCH to pay attention to when you are refing. It was so hard for me to spot penalties, but I did make one call - I think it was a major cut. I called it out at the same exact time as Luci D. Dream, who I was shadowing. But yeah - it's like my brain was working a lot slower than my eyes, and my mouth was working even slower. If I though I saw a penalty, first I would have to think - ok, was that really a penalty? Then I would have to remember who to call it correct - *whistle* Color - Number - Penalty *MAJOR*... which is just so many steps and words and ahhh. By the time I thought I was ready to call something, it was like 20 seconds later - too little too late. And then if it's a minor penalty there's no whistle, just color/number/penalty ... and by the time I thought I was ready to shout something out, another ref would've already called it. Then there's remembering to alert the penalty board person of the minor penalty you caught.

Sorry - that was probably a lot of rubbish to people who don't know anything about derby, but I hope any refs reading this will either sympathize with my plight or at least get a laugh.

Notice the spine of the book is barely cracked. >.>

I would love to try refing again and want to learn more and more. I'm def on the look out for opportunities! It's time again for me to whip out my rule book - it's been a while since I went through it...and now I can look at it from a ref perspective too. Speaking of all this too - Flexi Wheeler recently jumped into the fray of refing too.

Special thank you to Luci D. Dream for letting me shadow her during the scrimmage. She was an awesome teacher and gave me a great beginner run down.

Lastly, a request for all you refs out there: I don't want to seem like just another n00b player trying to figure out refing. Do you have any recommendations for attacking the rules? Where should I focus most first? Sometimes I sneak around the public area of zebrahuddle.com - but jeez, some of that sh*t is over my head. I also just started poking around the WFTDA Officiating section -- wow! Resources and information I never knew existed.

WFTDA Apprentice League!!!

2011-10-31T18:25:00.002-04:00

We did it! We were accepted to the Women's Flat Track Derby Associate as an apprentice league! This has been our goal since our inception an my personal focus for the past year as the application coordinator. I did tons of research, met a lot of people, did a lot of traveling, and worked hard with my amazing team to show the derby world that the Hellions kick ass. And with the proper guidance, we'll be even more amazing.

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, the WTFDA announced this quarter's group of accepted leagues:
http://wftda.com/news/apprentice-leagues-october-2011

From the WFTDA website, the Apprenctice Program is

Designed to act as a WFTDA 101 tutorial, the Apprentice Program matches new leagues with an established WFTDA mentor, who guides her apprentice through WFTDA processes and requirements, and offers advice about league-specific issues. The curriculum can include everything from league formation to how to become ranked and qualify for WFTDA-sponsored tournaments. Upon completion of the program, apprentice leagues will have the knowledge and league recommendations to apply for full WFTDA membership.

A long road led us to where we are today. I want to say thank you to the following who helped and inspired us along the way:

The Long Island Roller Rebels - you've always inspired us. Thank you for visiting us for a fun practice night. Thank you for the scrimmage opportunities. And thank you for hosting the Empire Skate Showdown, which gave us a chance to shine this year.

Central New York Roller Derby - the team we admire, and strive to be like. We learned so much from you this year and love working with you. We saw how much you grew as a league since being accepted as a full WFTDA member last year. We want to follow in your footsteps!

Our officials - We would not be the well-rounded league we are without The "Argue-nots", our refereeing and non-skating officials staff. Many of them are on the path to become Certified WFTDA referees. Our acceptance into the WFTDA Apprentice Program will help them with this cause because we'll be bouting more WFTDA leagues ourselves (for them to officiate!) It's a great relationship. Our officials are also amazing representatives of the Hellions, as they travel pretty much more than anyone to attend and volunteer at away bouts - seemingly every weekend. We love you Team Zebra! Thank you for spreading the good name and good nature of the Hellions!

Our announcers - Ida Feltersnatch and Eloda Sarcasm. These two women are the reason I have such an awesome appreciate for WFTDA in the first place. They brought me on my first derby road trip to the 2009 Championships, a derby experience I'll never forget and one that shaped my attitude about being part of the larger derby community. Ida and Eloda call in to the Derby Deeds early and often to keep people on top of our adventures - of which we have so many. And like Team Zebra, Ida and Eloda are constant travelers, always spreading the good word of the Hellions. Oh, and by the way - they BOTH became AFTDA Certified this year. Like the all the Hellions and the refs, they want to be part of their great organizations in the field of roller derby.

Thank you to all the WFTDA Leagues we bouted in 2011 - Queen City, Green Mountain, Providence, Garden State, Montreal, Connecticut, Roc City, Maine, Hudson Valley and of course our match up against Gotham's Wall Street Traitors at Empire Skate Showdown. We learned something new every game - either from on the track or off the track at the after party. ;)

And of course, thank you from ME to all my amazing league. Team work makes the dream work. We did it!

The Hellions after our bout in Montreal this past summer. Look at that strategically placed WFTDA banner.
It was meant to be!

I thought 2011 was the year of the Hellions - but the best is yet to come!

Light Up the Night

2011-10-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

One of our new skaters, Zandy I. Candy, is a Peer Educator at the Russell Sage College, which is sponsoring a "Light Up the Night" even on Thursday October 27th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on the Troy campus.

Basically it's a sexual assault awareness march through downtown Troy; it's very similar to Take Back the Night and Toronto's "Slut Walk".

The main idea is that one can wear whatever they like, wherever they like and not be afraid of being sexually assaulted. It's a very casual event. Some Hellions will be in attendance, dressing however they want. Join us looking bold as we march through the streets of Troy. The event starts on the corner of First Street and Division Street in Downtown Troy.
Here's the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203870306347394

Fresh Meat Graduates: October 2011

2011-10-20T07:44:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month we had three new fresh meat graduate our training program, plus one veteran skater who took some time off and did a little time in our training program to get back up to speed on her skills. Congratulations Basa, Zander, Morticia Von Glitznglass, and Chickpea of the Sea!
We've already got the girls working hard - we've thrown 'em right into our "big girl track" practices and they are strutting their stuff! Scrimmaging with vets is always tough the first few weeks, but they are finding their way through. Looking good girls!

If you are interested in joining the Hellions of Troy, check out our website or email hellionsrecruitment@gmail.com.

Final bout of 2011: November 5

2011-10-19T23:18:00.000-04:00

We've got just one more bout for this year until we roll into our off season! Hellions of Troy vs. our good friends, the Hudson Valley Horrors!

Check out the event on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235494946505343

Zombie carnival, walk, and prom this Saturday

2011-10-19T21:26:00.001-04:00

Did you know that the Hellions are a major partner in planning the zombie events put on by WAMC? We'll be there in force this year and hope to see you there too!

The event kicks off with a Friday night gala with food, film, and the Dead Divas (famous stars of stage and screen), plus a performance of (possibly) the first ever choral presentation of the gay undead as the Capital Pride Singers present a selection of your favorite undead songs.

Pre-Zombie Walk 2010. Photo by Knockout.

Zombie Carnival
Saturday starts off with the first ever Upstate New York Zombie Carnival all day before the Walk, starting at noon. There will be zombie carnival games: try your luck at the Zombie body part toss, place your bets on the Zombie wheel of death, and cast a line in the Zombie duck pond where every ones a winner. Zombie vendors will be present with the latest in undead fashion and makeup.

Zombie Walk
The walk steps off at 6pm from the Linda (339 Central Avenue). Get there beforehand to get your makeup done, hear the rules of the walk, and for photo ops, of course! This year's course is a loop starting and ending at the Linda. Following the walk will be a brain eating contest, followed by the start of Zombie Prom!

Zombie Prom
Immediately following the walk, join us for a night of dancing, food, and drinks. The cost is $10 and this year's Zombie Prom is 18+. Come in costume - will you be crowned this year's Zombie King or Queen?

More info:
Wamcarts event page: http://www.wamcarts.org/event_details.php?id=140
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154128441347494

Catch live streaming derby this weekend

2011-10-07T08:45:00.000-04:00

Not of the Hellions, unfortunately (although you can check out this DNN archive of our match against Montreal from this past summer)...but it's the final weekend of WFTDA Playoffs - North Central Region edition.

My favorite North Central team? The Minnesota Roller Girls! I caught them once East Coast Extravaganza. I love 'em! I have one of their stickers on my helmet >:) BTW, they have two skaters heading to Toronto in December to represent USA Roller Derby at the Roller Derby World Cup!

Starting at 9am Eastern, you can catch the action at http://derbyaccess.com/.
(At 1pm Eastern, make sure to catch Bout 4: #3 Minnesota RollerGirls vs #6 Mad Rollin’ Dolls!)It's the best roller derby the North Central region has to offer. Check it out, so you can estimate how teams will faceoff against the other regions at Championships in November (including New York's own Gotham Girls).

You can also stream the video on your iPhone. (The derby access link above can be used on any other mobile phone though). I've watched some of the games on my phone (when I was on the road), and the quality is great.

Lastly, Derby News Network is providing supplemental live coverage throughout the event. Happy viewing everyone!

Next Recruitment Night: October 9, 2011

2011-10-06T19:32:00.002-04:00

I didn't get to really participate in a fresh meat program. Sure, I was considered "fresh meat for the standard three months" but my training was very trial-by-fire. But I ain't complaining, and it just demonstrates the fact how much our league has grown in the past two years since I joined.

The Hellions have developed a fresh meat training program where we teach new skaters the ropes from the ground up. Based on the WFTDA Minimum Skills Requirements, we teach our new recruits everything about skating roller derby, including:

how to fall down safely
how to stop
how to give a hit
how to take a hit
perfecting a derby-style stride

Haven't strapped on skates in a couple years? Maybe more like a decade or two? No problem. The ability to skate comes right back to you.

Come check out the Hellions this Sunday night at Rollarama Skating Center (2710 Hamburg Street, Schenectady) at 7pm. Email hellionsrecruitment@gmail.com if you have questions in advance.

Looking for local groups to join us at our charity bout

2011-10-05T00:23:00.000-04:00

We are looking for local organizations to help us underwrite our upcoming charity bout to support breast cancer awareness and research. Like minded organizations can buy/sponsor a "jam" (The game of roller derby is composed of a series of 2 minute jams organized into two 30 minute halves).
We'll make an announcement during the bout similar to "this jam is sponsored by XYZ organization!"

Local organizations are also invited to have a table to provide materials on your organization. You do not have to be an underwriter to have a table at this bout, as long as your organization supports the theme of our event.

Are you another local organization who is hosting a breast cancer awareness event? We'd love to work on a collaboration with you, too!

The event will not be your standard roller derby bout but rather will be an exciting intraleague event in which the rules and ways of play will be determined by the spectators. Along with collecting donations at the door, we will also be inviting audience members to donate a small amount to control the game (e.g., $1 buys your favorite team a point, $3 allows you to put a player in the penalty box, etc.), making it a fun interactive experience.

All profits raised will be donated to TruJoy, a local organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness within the Capital Region, and The Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Our announcer Heidi Davis AKA Eloda Sarcasm has walked for the past four years (NYC, Boston, Chicago and Houston) and will do so again on September 22-23, 2012 in Santa Barbara, CA.

We are reaching out to community organizations that may be interested in attending this event and supporting our efforts to raise funds for breast cancer research. Like many of you, this is something that has touched members of our league on a personal level, and we are working hard to promote this cause and let others know what they can do to participate.

We are also looking for local organizations to donate items to be raffled or "auctioned" off during the event.

If you are interested in attending, underwriting, donating, collaborating, or tabling, please contact:
Baby Nuclear at hellionsboutproduction@gmail.com
and/or
Delinquent Dollie at hellionssponsorship@gmail.com
for more information.

Grand opening of Wheels and Gears Skate Shop today

2011-10-01T07:42:00.000-04:00

Kyle Austin - aka Collyde - is hosting the grand opening of Wheels and Gears, the new derby and skate shop today in down Troy. Massacre and I stopped by last night during Troy Night Out to say hello and wish him well. Massacre also made the first purchase ever in the new shop!

Collyde actually started his business in January 2011, however the storefront is a new development. Over the past year, he's been a traveling roadshow of derby gear and supplies, tabling at our bouts as well as traveling out to Central New York for Central New York Roller Derby bouts - he's a sponsor for our leagues as well as the Utica Rollergirls and the Green Mountain Derby Dames. He's interested in working with other leagues - both near and far, so definitely reach out to him to find out about sponsorship.

Collyde doesn't just have derby gear, he can also hook you up with skateboarding and bicycle gear.

Besides the business, Collyde has been involved with roller derby for almost as long as the Hellions have existed. While talking with him last night, he told me he got involved with derby about 5 months after the Hellions started, which would be early 2009. Collyde has occasionally officiated our bouts and has been around in other volunteer capacities as well. Now he's here to support our league and others by providing a local place to buy derby gear.

While we were in the store last night, Collyde and his daughters were getting busy for their big opening day. (BTW, Collyde says he is accepting applications for employees, although his daughters said they'd be happy to work for gummi worms"). He did have time to show us around the space, and like I said, Massacre made the first purchase at the store.

Like most buildings in downtown Troy, the space has some unique features. The inside has some punk-y exposed brick, and Collyde is also working on bringing out the subtle features of the various moldings. He did some paint work to bring out a molded design on the wall. Check it out -- it's very "Troy".

Collyde's business knowledge of the derby world's needs is growing. I like to shop around, but from my research, I've found that his prices are comparable with places I might order from online. Now that there's a local shop, derby girls (and guys) can get what they need right away.

Collyde and Massacre talking about bearings.

Another cool feature Collyde added to the store: an old fashioned cash register.

Collyde administering his first transaction.

Mmm, Beirut.

Check out the grand opening of Wheels and Gears today, October 1, 2011, in downtown Troy. Tomorrow's store hours are 1:00pm - 8:00pm. By the way, the shop is right next to Beirut Restaurant - yum! Collyde told me proximity to Beirut may have been a contributing factor to picking his location. Sounds and tastes good to me.

WHEELS AND GEARS

186 RIVER ST.

TROY, NY 12180

What I'm doing today...

2011-10-01T05:20:00.001-04:00

Gotham Girls Roller Derby bootcamp!
Headed down to NYC ... NOW!

Six hours of roller derby training with New York's (and the Eastern Region's) finest.

Central New York Roller Derby announces 2012 season

2011-09-30T19:39:00.000-04:00

CNYRD announced their 2012 season this week! Check out their season here: http://cnyrollerderby.blogspot.com/2011/09/2012-save-dates.html

CNYRD, out of Rome, NY, achieved full WFTDA member status in 2010 - t we are hoping to follow their footsteps! HoT has played CNYRD several times, and we also do the occasional scrimmage swap. We <3 them... time to start planning some roadtrips to beautiful central New York.

Mark your calendars: upcoming charity bout - October 15

2011-09-30T06:43:00.000-04:00

More information is coming soon (believe me, I'll dedicate a whole blog post to it!) but I want to point you all in the direction of the Facebook event for our upcoming Charity Bout on October 15 to get the initial details NOW.

Skate for a Cure: Hellions of Troy Roller Derby Charity Bout
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161897177231506

This won't be your average roller derby bout. With Hellions on both teams, on the fly rule changes, and every few jams skated by our derby brothers of Capital District Men's Roller Derby - fans are in for a rowdy night of awesome roller derby and charity. Proceeds from the bout will support breast cancer research and awareness.

Catching up on bout recaps: Hurricanes vs. Earthquakes 8/27/11

2011-09-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

So... we were supposed to have an epic game against the Boston Derby Dames Boston B-Party... but then Hurricane Irene decided to ruin our party! Due to impending weather circumstances, Boston was unable to travel to our location on August 27 ... so we had to make due somehow. It was too late to cancel the bout. So, in a matter of hours, we pulled together two intraleague teams (with help from 5 other local derby players) and the concept of “Team Hurricane” vs. “Team Earthquake” was born.

Team Hurricane in black; Team Earthquake in pink. Photo by Space Chalky

Me in front of the White House. I ended my
vacation early to make this bout happen.
Kinda...not really. Dumb hurricane.

I wasn't actually rostered to play in the Boston bout, as Massacre and I were on vacation in Washington, DC and Baltimore that week for some baseball and roller derby. However, due to Irene, that weekend's baseball games were cancelled, so we decided to head back up to Albany a day earlier.

"Cool," I thought… "we'll be able to catch the Hellions play tonight!"

Little did I know we would watch from the track. While I was riding back up to Albany in the car, I communicated with Baby Nuclear, our bout production manager, and Doc Hazard, one of our coaches. They were two people who really made this bout happen! The first phone call began with "we have a situation" and the last simple text message I received about an hour from Rollarama was "I think we're all set! Wear pink!"

The hurricane poured on us the whole ride back up to Albany…until exit 25, for beautiful Schenectady, NY where the sun was actually still shining. A good sign.

With solid rosters for both teams, Doc Hazard bench coached Team Hurricane and Roarshock made his Hellions coaching debut with Team Earthquake. For the most part, Team Hurricane lead in points scored, but the point spread was never too wide. The game ended with a score of 141 Hurricanes - 121 Earthquakes. The hurricanes dominated that weekend.

Delinquent Dollie, Sally Mae Hurtyou, Pork Slap and
Pied Viper. Photo by Space Chalky.

Game MVPs were Delinquent Dollie and Pied Viper (of CNYRD). Game Heavy Hitter awards went to Sally Mae Hurtyou and Pork Slap!
Special incredible thank you to the local skaters who filled in our rosters at the 11th hour: CNY's Slay West and Pied Viper; and AASRD's Sweet Dee Bacle and Betty Blitzkrieg. Also Trixie Firecracker! <3 <3 <3

Speaking of hurricane domination, surrounding areas suffered major floor damage that weekend. Parts of the Capital District and beyond were under water. A portion of profits from our bout on Saturday, September 24 against Maine Roller Derby as well as food and items donated by our fans was donated to local flood victims.

Capital District Trauma Authority vs. Pioneer Valley's Dirty Dozen

2011-09-27T17:45:00.001-04:00

On Monday, September 5 I headed out to Northampton, MA with the Capital District Trauma Authority to catch a Pioneer Valley Roller Derby's mens/womens derby double header. Monday was Labor Day and also the final day of the 3 County Fair. CDTA took on PVRD's Dirty Dozen, while Granite State Roller Derby (New Hampshire) played PVRD's Western Mass Destruction.

I went to the fair and saw the unusual specimens that are men's roller derby players. Ooh, ahh.

We arrived at the fair early, and noted that the bout would be taking place in hanger/barn-like structure. The floor was literally made of dirt. In the center of the large, wide open building was a layer of ply wood, with skate court laid over it. Always something new with roller derby!

The venue.

We spent some time walking around the fair before the boys went to warm up. I spent time checking out the baby animals and resisting the temptation to eat all fried food in sight.

This rabbit looks like a pivot. and OMG - baby ducks!

Doc Hazard bench coached for CDTA, so I sat and enjoyed the bout with Luci D. Dream, one of our refs, and Morticia VonGlitzngloss - Hellions skater and CDTA skater Hart Attack's girlfriend. I gotta be honest: the Dirty Dozen may just be my favorite men's derby league. I love the camouflage pants. I love their wily jammers. And Jurasskick Park (# 1993) is the freaking sweetest name ever. [I swear CDTA is a close second and maybe if Jurasskick Park transferred to CDTA that would tip the scale.] The Dirty Dozen have been a force in men's derby for years, so it was a cool opportunity for CDTA to measure up. No one was expecting a win for CDTA, but the challenge was appreciated.

Massacre on the line vs. Jurasskick Park
I can't think of a comment that won't
get me in trouble.

Very often, although the Dirty Dozen would snag league jammer, CDTA jammers Gohan/Up End Atom, Johnny Malice, and Roarshock were able to break through the pack. It was exciting for me to watch Massacre pivot - he works hard to find a partner, recycle, and go for the hit. Massacre also got to jam a few times.

Hazmatt made his derby debut at this bout. He had a nice three person wall going at one point, and did not look like a total n00b during any part of the game, from what I saw anyway.

Johnny Rebel, Hazmatt, and Wellen Dowd form a nice three person wall.

The final score was PVRD 295 - CDTA 54. After playing one of the top mens teams in the country, congrats to (one of?) the newest in teams in New York on scoring just over 1 every 5 points, and holding PVRD under 300.

Bout Recap: Hellions vs. Maine Roller Derby's Calamity Janes

2011-09-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

In front of a house of 300 fans, the Hellions continued their home winning streak on Saturday night coming out on top against Maine Roller Derby. This was a rematch from last summer, when we took a friendly beating (just kidding... kinda) in June 2010 when we traveled up to Portland.

Like I remembered from last year, Maine had heavy hits and played a very focused game. Our coach, Roarshock, commented how tight and organized their girls looked while they were warming up.

This year, for the Hellions, was another story. Coming off our high from our third place win at Empire Skate Showdown earlier this month, we were ready to take on Maine on Saturday.

But first we had a team effort to lay down the track! Setting up for a bout is a team effort.

Taping down the track boundaries before the bout. One layer of tape, one layer of rope, another
layer of tape. Short Temper, Disharmony, and Sick Puppy in the foreground. Photo by Space Chalky.

When we say this is a skater owned and operated league, we mean it!

Each team started off with a few good jams, and the team work on both teams was great. The Hellions began to pull ahead into the first period. At the half the score was 104 Hellions - 40 Maine.

Photo by Zack Zoll

Maine started the second period strong utilizing a one on one strategy, and had a few good jams which initially caught them up in points. The Hellions we able to adapt, but had to continue taking hard hits and face Maine's effective booty-blocking from A-Block and Cherry Clobber, a formidable two person wall. Maine also increased their jammer rotation to include REDdemption, a newer face to Janes - but you couldn't tell based on her determination to get through the pack.

Side note: I actually had the pleasure of meeting REDdemption the weekend before at Eastern Regional Playoffs. I sat with some Maine players and their fans during one bout. They were a super friendly bunch! Maine's all star team, the Port Authorities were the tenth seed last weekend at Playoffs. They faced some tough opponents, but they looked good doing it!

The game ended with a score of 201 Hellions - 109 Maine. Game MVPs were Baby Nuclear for HoTRD and REDdemption for Maine. Game Heavy Hitter Awards were presented to Kitty from HoTRD and Cherry Clobber from Maine.

Photo by Space Chalky

Mathundra Storm with her light saber.
Photo by Space Chalky

The Hellions also got a special treat during half time...! Ed, the father of our announcer Eloda Sarcasm, present the league with some super awesome LIGHT SABERS as a "trophy" for coming in third place at Empire Skate Showdown. It was awesome! And so super thoughtful of Ed! Ed is definitely one of the Hellions SUPER FANS.

This bout was cool for me because two of my sister and my mom were able to attend and cheer us on. My best friends Rachel and Jen from high school where also there! Ahhhh yay!! My boss was also there with his wife and son. So awesome.

I got feedback from some people on my team that they think my sister Carol looks like my twin, if I had a twin in the 1980s. What do you think?! And for the record, those are her natural curls - no fancy perms here. Should I get a perm?

Carol and me at the after party.
Photo by Space Chalky

OK - that's all she wrote - for now!

Win tickets to our bout this weekend from Nippertown!

2011-09-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

Head over the Nippertown.com to win a pair of tickets to our bout this weekend!

http://www.nippertown.com/2011/09/19/win-free-tix-to-see-the-hellions-of-troy-roller-derby-match-on-saturday/

Bring goods to the bout this weekend and get $2 off at the door

2011-09-20T23:42:00.000-04:00

For each bout, the Hellions donate a portion of their proceeds to charity. The September 24 bout against Maine Roller Derby will benefit the recent flood victims in Schoarie County.

The Hellions are also hoping that their fans will lend a hand to those affected by Hurricane Irene by bringing and donating the following items:

non-perishable food items
personal hygiene items
baby items
cleaning supplies

Fans bringing items to donate will receive $2 off door ticket price.

Eastern Region Play-offs: Nightmare on 95 Day 1

2011-09-18T06:47:00.001-04:00

I've got thoughts on three of Friday's bouts for you.

In the first game of the tournament, the Dutchland Derby Rollers took on our friends from Maine Roller Derby (we're playing their B team next week!). I think it was a surprise to a lot of people, but Team USA rostered skater, V-Diva, recently transferred to DDR from Lehigh Valley. Maine did well but Dutchland took the win- their next bout would've been against Gotham (#1 tournament seed) later in the day - except they chose to forfeit. Read about that over on derbynewsnetwork or pretty much any facebook wall of someone related to roller derby.

The London vs Carolina game was one I had been looking forward to. I saw London play Providence Roller Derby, and I thought they were pretty great! Last year at Regionals (back when it was "Regionals"), Carolina played Montreal, winning by only a couple points. In my mind, this was sort of an international rematch for Carolina.

Carolina literally facing of vs London

London ruled the game with smart trapping and super recycling from their blockers; and beautiful footwork by their jammers. Even with hard strikes to the hips driven by Carolina, the London jammers would rarely take a tumble, and more like do some sort of spin-around move and stay on their feet. I actually saw this move from a couple jammers this weekend, including Charm City's CC Bang Bang.
Carolina interesting strategy of starting facing the jammers. From the crowd, it seemed intimidating. I'm curious about this strategy - I'm sure we'll be hearing about it.
The final score was London 160 - Carolina 67.

Montreal vs. Steel City
So, first of all you had to wonder - is the whole league wearing unitards under their jerseys, like the coaches? Or are those just pants?
This was a low scoring game for the first 10 minutes, with a score of score 16 Steel - 6 Montreal. Steel inched up to about at 25 point lead, but in the final jams of the period, Montreal nearly shortened the gap to 49-41 - still a quite low scoring game.
Soon into the second period, we saw the first 1 point lead change. Midway into period two, the Steel City jammer was unable to take advantage of a powerjam due to what appeared to be an equipment malfunction seconds into the jam. A minute passed as she attempted to adjust her kneepad (?) and shortly the Montreal jammer was back on the track.
Steel City's defense endeavored to be ruthless: with big girls Athena and Bonecrusher in the back of the pack, it was nearly impossible to get around them. I'd like to rephrase myself and say that they were big girls... with incredible endurance and jammer stopping hits. By the end of the period, Steel regained the lead and took the game 134 - 88.

Catching up on bout recaps: Hellions of Troy vs. Garden State Rollergirls 8/6/11

2011-09-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

Last month we had a rematch against Garden State Rollergirls Brick City Bruisers. We played them back in May, which might have been one of my favorite road trips of the Spring.

The final score of the bout was 154 Hellions - 98 Garden State.
You can check out videos from the bout here: http://www.youtube.com/user/HellionsOfTroy#p/u/12/yy1I31dgdF8 thanks to Space Chalky!
You can read Baby Nuclear's recap here: http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/cat-fight-re-cap/4229/

Lastly, check out some photos from Rob Gierthy!

Kitty getting through with help from Sally Mae.

Awesome elevator door by Epic Kate-tastrophe and Valerie Valkyrie.

Mathundra Storm doing what she does best - blocking jammers!

Empire Skate Showdown Recap Part 2

2011-09-15T07:16:00.000-04:00

Read Part 1 about our games at Empire Skate Showdown here: http://hellionsoftroy.blogspot.com/2011/09/empire-skate-showdown-recap-part-1.html

Reading our pre-bout team poem, "There Are My Skates"
Photo by Sean Hale/Hale Yeah

After winning our first two games, we secured a spot in the quarter finals, where we faced Central New York Roller Derby, who had also won their first two games.

The Hellions have worked closely with CNYRD in the past two years, making it a meaningful bout for both leagues. CNYRD opened the bout strong by scoring over 25 in the initial minutes of the game, which we were not able to make up for over the remainder of bout. The game ended with a final score of 86 - 32 and hugs shared between both teams.

Taking advantage of a power jam.
Photo by Sean Hale/Hale Yeah

Baby Nuclear sneaking by Slay West
Photo by Hazmatt

Our first loss of the tournament sent the us down to the lower bracket, where they would face the Wall Street Traitors (New York, NY), who had faced one loss earlier in the tournament, to the Ithaca League of Women Rollers (Ithaca, NY).

The Traitors, who ended on top at last year's tournament, are part of New York's premier roller derby league, the Gotham Girls, who are currently ranked number one in the Eastern region of the Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA).

Hellions vs. Traitors was the fifteenth game of the day, the fourth for the both teams, taking place eight hours after the first game of the tournament. It was apparent that both leagues were fatigued, but the Hellions opened strong to keep pace with their opponents in the initial minutes of the game. Never giving up, the Hellions continued to push themselves harder than ever, but were unable to keep up with the might of the Wall Street Traitors.

Solid hit from a Wall Street Traitors player. I want to learn to hit like that!
Photo by Luna Obscura

Hellions manage to trap the WST jammer. For a few seconds anyway.
Photo by Hazmatt

The final score of the game was 23 Hellions to 115 Traitors, but this loss placed the Hellions in third place of the tournament overall. The Traitors went on to face Central New York in the final match up of the day, where they ultimately secured the win. Central New York placed second in the tournament overall.

After placing last in the 2010 tournament, the we are extremely proud to have earned a space at the top this year. So far in 2011, the Hellions have a record of 8 wins and 4 losses to various teams in the eastern United States. We attribute our success this year to quality recruiting efforts, the hard work of our coaching staff, and the dedication of our players.

Derbylove

2011-09-14T23:39:00.000-04:00

www.nataliedee.com

I just read this great article on derbylife.com. It's written by Bane-Ana, who just days ago I saw play on a compilation team - the East Coast Irregulars (as Bane-ana on Skates, that is) against Harm City Homicide in Baltimore, MD. The Hellions also shared a locker room with his team (New York Shock Exchange's Coney Island Freak Show) at Empire Skate Showdown, so I then knew what he looked like sans banana suit.

Of course I'd seen Bane from afar at Regional Playoffs and on DNN, but most recently I had the pleasure of chatting with him post-bout and at the parking-lot-PBR-after-party on Sunday night. He's really just terrific, and his words in this article complete solidify my positive opinion of him.

If you love derby, then check out Bane-Ana's article on Derbylife.com: Compensation.

Two tickets for the price of one - today only!

2011-09-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Today only you can purchase a voucher from LivingSocial.com and pay $12 (regularly $24) for two adult tickets or $3 (regularly $6) for two kids' tickets. Your voucher(s) will be good for one year. We've got three bouts left this season for you to check out, or check back here for an announcement of our 2012 season. But don't wait 'til then - we'd love to see you soon!

Hellions of Troy next bout: Saturday, September 24.

Empire Skate Showdown recap - part 1

2011-09-11T21:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Hazmatt

The Hellions of Troy Roller Derby League earned a top three finish at the 2nd Annual New York State all-female flat track roller derby tournament "Empire Skate Showdown", hosted by the Long Island Roller Rebels in Old Bethpage, NY on Saturday, September 3, 2011. Nine New York teams participated in a total of seventeen thirty minute challenge bouts during the double-elimination tournament.

Double elimination meant that one loss would send a team down to the losers bracket, still with a chance to win the rest of their games to still come in on top. A second loss could mean elimination from the tournament.

The Hellions scored their first win over the Hudson Valley Horrors (Kingston, NY) with a score of 67 - 40. The game started off fast. Like....insanely fast. The first couple jams it seemed that both teams want to use a strategy of racing the pack. This couldn't be maintained by either team, which slowed the pace of the jams down (which also works!)

Photo by Sean Hale/Hale Yeah

Our next match was against Roc City Roller Derby of Rochester, NY. The Hellions took a strong lead in the first 15 minutes, but after calling a team time out, Rochester rallied to shorten the gap to under 10 points. The Hellions held strong in the remaining minutes and held onto the lead with a final score of 74-71.

Taking advantage of a power jam.
Photo by Sean Hale/Hale Yeah.

Two wins secured a spot in the quarter finals, where the Hellions faced Central New York Roller Derby (CNYRD), from Utica, NY...

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Next bout: Saturday, September 24

2011-09-09T21:47:00.000-04:00

Time for a rematch! In June 2010, the Hellions traveled to Portland, ME for an epic weekend of fun and good old fashioned roller derby. I also jammed for the first time in this bout (and scored 4 points!) Read the bout recap here: http://hellionsoftroy.blogspot.com/2010/06/maine-bout-recap.html
The final score from this game was 157 Maine - 85 Hellions, so we're eager for this rematch. A year has gone by and our players have gained a lot of experience.
We're excited for this rematch!

Coming to the bout? Say so on Facebook.
Buy your advance tickets here: tinyurl.com/hotvmaine
As always, look for our ad in Metroland the week of the bout (9/22 edition)!

Short Temper! Go away! Leave me alone!

2011-09-07T07:45:00.001-04:00

At one of our bouts, we had a sign table where we let kids make signs for the skaters. It was cute and fun! I think the sign I got is hilarious. I've never taken my name so literally before.

This sign now resides on the bookshelf outside of my cubicle at work. Every time I look at it, I crack up.

Speaking of work, my coworker sent me this comic a while ago. Hah.

http://workingdaze.blogspot.com/

Watching video of yourself play

2011-08-31T06:47:00.000-04:00

I found this video a coworker of mine took last summer at our bout against the ManchVegas Roller Girls.

0:17. Check me out passing three opposing players.
I'm awesome.

I used to think I was hot stuff in this video. OK, to be fair, you have to love my jammer start (0:05). A somewhat good start off the line (0:08). And that's not a bad derby stance - I'm got pretty low when on my initial approach to the pack (0:13). I manage to sneak up the inside line, passing three MVRG players at once (including jammer) (0:17).

Then what happens?

Who's awesome now? :(

Instead of hauling ass and moving my feet, I start to coast. Then a three person wall of MVRG players gets in front of me. It looks like I am coasting from 0:20 to 0:34.... 14 seconds! That's a long time in the grand scheme of a two minute jam.Finally, at about 0:34, I turn up my speed and break through the wall to earn lead jammer status (0:35). I think at this point, the opposing jammer is still trapped in the pack by Kitty, Pork Slap, Nymph, and Missy (continuously awesome, the whole jam).

My speed around the track to lap the pack isn't too bad. I think my stride is ok, but I think I've surely improved in the past year. It takes me about 20 seconds to reach the back of the pack.

Eventually I catch up and am able to pass the opposing blockers to score my points easily for the most part, after taking a bump or two. I think I may have scored all four points. At that point, I take a good hit and am knocked to the floor, at which point I decide to call off the jam.

In hindsight, I'm torn if this was the right opportunity to call off the jam. As I am falling, you can see that the opposing jammer has finally broken through the pack for her initial pass - she had not made her scoring pass yet. It was conservative tactic -- perhaps I would've had to refight my way through the pack again, whilst the other jammer made her way around to make her first scoring pass. Alternatively, I could've hopped back up, fought through the pack, caught the other jammer, and possibly scored again.

Catching up on bout recaps: HoTRD vs ROC City 7/23/11

2011-08-30T22:52:00.003-04:00

Last month the Hellions traveled to Rochester, NY for roller derby! Oh so I hear - I was on vacation. Boo, I like Rochester - I was out there last year in May to scrimmage with them.

It was a close game, the final score was Hellions 85 / Roc City 89. We may meet Roc City again this weekend at Empire Skate Showdown on Long Island.

Anyway, here's a couple photos for ya from Hispanic Attack's photoset on Facebook.

Warm up

Delinquent Dollie lapping the pack during warm up.

Pre-bout.

Kitty earning lead jammer, as called by The Constable.

Gearing up for Empire Skate Showdown Strikes Back 2011

2011-08-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

In less than two weeks we'll be headed to Long Island to participate in the second annual New York State roller derby tournament, hosted by the Long Island Roller Rebels for the 2011 NYS Roller Derby Tournament: Empire Skate Showdown Strikes Back 2011. Empire Skate Showdown will feature nine New York teams will duel it out over 17 thirty minute challenge bouts. In their first match of the day, the Hellions will take on the Hudson Valley Horrors.

Doors open at 10am at Skate Safe America, 182 Bethpage Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage, NY. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Here's hoping we place better than we did last year. We've been training, and we're ready to kick some butt!

Here's some posts from last year about the first annual Empire Skate Showdown:

My thoughts on ESS the night before the tourney.
My thoughts about feeling not too bad about losing.
Did you know Deadlie Mercury's first bout ever was actually a tournament?
Flexi Wheeler tells you alllll about the tournament.

Hellions on WRPI today

2011-08-21T11:49:00.003-04:00

Deadlie Mercury, Shockratease, and Eloda Sarcasm are slated for the 1230 time slot on WRPI today. You can find WRPI on the FM dial at 91.5 or, you can listen at wrpi.org. Tune in!

Hellions out and about this weekend

2011-08-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight we will be rocking Schenectady Art Night. We'll have tickets to our upcoming bout, merch, and we'll even sign autographs if you ask! Stop by Proctors and say hell!

Saturday night we are holding a special event at the Albany VFW. We are guest bartending to raise money to support our trip to Empire Skate Showdown in a couple weeks (more on that soon!!!) Check out the event on Facebook. We're taking a bus down for the all day tournament, and that's gonna cost us a pretty penny (roller derby is pay-to-play, you know...)

We'll be serving drinks, selling merch and raffle tickets, and having all around good times.
Come down and hang out with your favorite roller girls and support our trip to NYS's Roller Derby Tournament: Empire Skate Showdown!

Albany VFW
525 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY

Next bout: Saturday August 27

2011-08-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

I am shivering with anticipation! The Boston B Party, of the Boston Derby Dames, is headed to our lil' city for a night of HoT derby action. The B Party, Boston's "B" level travel team is part of a league whose "A" team is ranked #6 in the East according to WFTDA 2011 Q2 Rankings. Gulp. We are ready for the challenge!!

I've seen Boston play quite a few times and I know their girls are super fun.

Coming to the bout? Say so on Facebook.
Buy your advance tickets here: tinyurl.com/bostonsmashparty
As always, look for our ad in next week's Metroland!

Guest post by Miss Ida: What is AFTDA?

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Derby has its fair share of acronyms: HoTRD, CDTA, WFTDA, MRDA, NSO, LJ, JTO, etc

Miss Ida with CDTA skater Up End Atom.
Photo by Pete Rodriguez

It really goes on and on.

Announcing WFTDA Easterns 2010 with Rev Al Mighty of
Providence (Steel City vs. Charm City)

Sometimes it stands for a league's name like "HoT RD" is the Hellions of Troy Roller Derby. Sometimes it's a team like CDTA is the Capital District Trauma Authority (who skates under the league of Capital District Men's Roller Derby - CDMRD). It could also be a governing body like the WFTDA is the Women's Flat track Derby Association and MRDA is the Men's Roller Derby Association. Or it could be a certain type of official like a NSO is a Non Skating Official, those amazing people holding up the white boards and writing down important information on a clipboard. It could even be a specific move or status, LJ is Lead Jammer and JTO is Jammer Take Out, something most blockers strive for!

One acronym you might not be familiar with the AFTDA. Now, it looks pretty close to WFTDA and there is a reason for that. AFTDA stands for the Association of Flat Track Derby Announcers. Sadly not a lot of skaters even know such a thing exists...but we are hoping to change this!

Taken from the AFTDA Website:

If you have ever been to a flat track roller derby bout, watched one on TV or even caught one of the multiple on-line streams then chances are you've heard exceptional play by play, witty banter and a detailed explanation of the rules and strategy employed by the skaters on the track. If this is the case then you've heard an AFTDA Member hard at work. We are the sports broadcasters for the fastest growing sport in the world, Flat Track Roller Derby!

The members of the AFTDA strive to improve their knowledge of an ever changing game, increase their level of professionalism and ensure a good time is had by all. The AFTDA members are lovers of Roller Derby and their enthusiasm shines through in the voices you hear while at most sanctioned roller derby bouts. Certification tests have been developed to ensure that each announcer has a deep understanding of the rules, methods and hand signals employed during a roller derby bout. While they make it seem easy while on the mic, these announcers have dedicated their time and their efforts on bringing the highest level of play by play, sponsor marketing, crowd education and fan enjoyment possible to each and every bout.

Wait. Did that blurb up there say something about a test and rules? Oh yes! AFTDA members are the best of the best! We aren't just on the mic talking about pretty girls skating in circles.

We take this gig seriously.

AFTDA members are expected to know the most up to date WFTDA rule set. All 43 pages, including hand signals. It's a lot to know but if the announcer doesn't know it how are they going to explain it to you?

ECDX 2011 calling with Sashion Victim (Providence Roller
Derby vs. DC Rollergirls)

The certification test is given several times a year and mostly at large venue events, like the Big 5 Tournaments and the East Coast Derby Extravaganza put on bu the Philly Roller Girls every Summer (or as I like to call it: Roller Derby Summer Camp) ECDX is where I passed my certification test with a 98! I was pretty excited to say the least!

The AFTDA also has a Code of Conduct. You might be wondering why announcers would need a Code of Conduct for....Well, say you are a jammer and just reentered the track from the penalty box. Not one blocker has turned around to see you and all of a sudden the announcer calls out "Jammy McJammer is out of the box and about to pass through the pack!" Suddenly everyone turns around and sees her! D'oh! Not ok. This is a serious NO-NO in announcing and, conveniently enough, is addressed in the COC (another acronym). Derby announcing isn't like major league sports. Derby generally takes place in smaller venues and spectators and skaters alike can hear our announcing. The announcer’s job is to explain what just happened, not predict the future.

The AFTDA strives to make sure announcers do not:

give away jammer position
coach from the mic
talk about a strategy that a team is about to try

Good announcing should have nothing but a positive impact on the bout. Educate and entertain, that’s my motto. Bad announcing can get you punched at the after party!

The AFTDA has a Board of Directors (BOD, I told you there are tons of acronyms). the BOD is made up of our Regional Representatives including the Eastern Rep, Boston Derby Dames very own Pelvis Costello.

I have known Pelvis for quite some time now, and I have to say he is one of my AFTDA derby announcing heroes. He is very witty and I dare say the master of pop culture references. He is also very knowledgeable about the sport. He was so very understanding and patient with me as I learned the ropes at my first WFTDA Regionals last year.

Working with one of her annoucer idols, Mr.
Jake Steel of the LIRR at ESS 2010.

Another one of my AFTDA announcing heroes is Long Island's Jake Steel. He has been with LIRR (Last one, I promise.) since they first started up. I am proud to say the majority of my clever derby lines come from this man. He single handedly wrangles all of the announcing for the Empire Skate Showdown, New York’s roller derby tournament. That’s a lot of work and don't think we don't appreciate you for it Mr. Steel!

I have a very long list of announcing heroes so I won't subject you to all of them. But please keep in mind the next time you are at a bout and there is a good announcer who is speaking clearly, explaining the rules, is witty and doesn’t piss off the skaters. That might not be your average run of the mill announcer calling that play by play. You might be in the presence of an AFTDA certified announcer!

See you track side!

Ida Feltersnatch
Certified AFTDA Announcer
Ida on AFTDA
Ida on Facebook

Bout day reminders

2011-08-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Today is bout day! Coming to the bout? Here's some things you need to know:

Rollarama, our venue, is SUPER EASY to get to from Albany. It's just a couple minutes off of I-90. Should take you about 12 minutes to get there. Here's the link to google maps: click me!

For the best (and most comfortable) seats in the house, bring a chair!

Don't forget to grab this week's Metroland for a coupon to our bout.

Coming to our bout tomorrow? Say so on Facebook.

2011-08-05T07:53:00.001-04:00

I know you all already follow the Hellions on Facebook (and twitter too, right??). Have you clicked "attending" on our bout invite? Get information on our bout, leave a love note, and "share" the even to let your friends know you're coming! Then invite them to come too!

Tomorrow's bout is located at Rollarama - 2710 Hamburg Street, Schenectady, NY.
Doors open at 6pm, whistle blows at 7pm.
Tickets:
$12 at the door
$3 for children age 12 and under

This is a rematch against the Garden State Rollergirls, who we played back in May (catch the recap here). Will we be victorious again? Come cheer us on!

Bought my tickets to the 2011 WFTDA Championships

2011-08-02T08:21:00.001-04:00

*deep breath*

I bought my 3-day pass to the 2011 WFTDA Championships - Continental Divide and Conquer.

I'm going to Denver in November.

Happily, my girl Ursula Udders is heading to the mile high city with me. Who else has plans to go?

The tournament will be held in the 6,500 seat 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, CO, the home of the Denver Roller Dolls.

I did some blogging about Nationals last year: my thoughts on Nationals 2009 in Philly, when I finally decided to go to Chicago (note: last year I didn't buy tickets until October), and then some pictures from the first day.

Next stop... plane tickets.

Next Hellions bout: Saturday August 6

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe it's August 1! Smack in the middle of summer, I'm loving it.

Next weekend we take on the Garden State Rollergirls, who we also played down on their home turf back in May. You can get tickets from brownpapertickets.com or message me and I can hook you up with $10 tickets. There's also going to be a coupon in this week's Metroland on Thursday - so make sure to check that out!

Troy Night Out tonight

2011-07-29T15:52:00.000-04:00

Sheesh - I've been away from this blog a bit, since it's looks like one of my more recent posts was about the last time we were at Troy Night Out.

HoTRD will be at Troy Night Out tonight. I hear there could be some ticket giveaways for our next home bout on Saturday, August 6!

Catching up on bout recaps: HoTRD vs Montreal 6/11/11

2011-07-06T06:30:00.006-04:00

Saturday, June 11 we took on on one of Montreal Roller Derby's home teams, Les Filles du Roi. This means "the Kings Daughters" in French. After a delightful Friday night and Saturday afternoon in Montreal, we were incredibly pumped for some international roller derby action.

First of all, Montreal Roller Derby was EXTREMELY friendly, accommodating, and welcoming from the get go. Our volunteers were comped, they had our merch table ready to go, and they hooked us up in the locker room. I wasn't playing on this roster, so I worked the merch table to Escargot (she rocks).

Short Temper and Escargot: Team Merch.

This was not a bad deal, because from our post, we had an amazing view of the track.

Hellions vs. Les Filles du Roi

Hellions! Mathundra Storm likes out her war cry!

The game started off great - and was closer than we expected. If I recall correctly, the Hellions were in the lead for the first 10 minutes, and it was a close game the rest of the period until Montreal ended up with a solid power jam. At the end of the first period the score was 42 Hellions - 73 Montreal.

Before the start of the second half, Knockout Kid got a special birthday serenade from Montreal's announcer Plastik Patrik. Patrik and Miss Ida did a fine job announcing during the bout - Patrik in French and Ida in English.

This was a really exciting game to watch, especially when the Hellions began to close the gap in the second period. In the end, we had a bit of trouble staying out of the penalty box, and with Montreal holding strong, we ended the bout with a score of 134 Montreal - 112 Hellions.

Then of course we headed to the after party, where Montreal showed up an amazing time.

Seriously, if your league has the resources (we're lucky enough with our location being just 3.5 hours south) to get up to Montreal to play this team on their home turf, you need to make the trip. The Hellions had a wonderful time in the city, at the bout, and hanging with these fun-lovin' derby girls. Thanks Montreal!

Oh one more thing - catch the video archive of the bout here on Derby News Network!

Hellions invade Montreal

2011-06-29T07:30:00.001-04:00

What an incredible weekend for the Hellions! A bunch of us headed up to Montreal on Friday, and the majority of us packed in to Auberge de Paris, a hostel in downtown Montreal. It was a good, good time. I drove up with Massacre, Sally Mae Hurtyou, and Escargot. First stop after checking in: Resto La Banquise for poutine. Others went out to celebrate Knockout Kid's 21st birthday at midnight!

On the hostel patio Saturday morning.

On Saturday we met up at the crack of 10:30am (well, that was the plan, it was more closer to 11:30 by the time everyone met up at home base) to do some exploring. One group went off to enjoy some omelettes (I heard they were ok), and I went off with others to find crepes. We did find a place ... but I think the staff at the restaurant hated our huge group of thirteen Americans, only two of which could speak enough French to get by -- the waitstaff couldn't (didn't want to??) communicate in English with us. So -- the crepes were ok, the service confusing, and we left with cultural stereotypes stirring in the minds of both parties. Sorry for the language barrier, crepe place!

Team Crepes

Then we went off to enjoy more of the city!

Deadlie Mercuty lookin' good in Montreal

Short Temper and Valerie Valkyrie at a street fair on Avenue du Mont Royal

Elsewhere, Pork Slap and Jon Matthis cut a rug in the street.

After our fun afternoon, it was time to head back to the hostel to get ready for game time... and at this point we had just found out that we would also be on DNN that night - our excitement was through the roof!

Catching up on bout recaps: HoTRD vs Skyland Rollergirls 6/4/11

2011-06-28T07:40:00.000-04:00

Me and Daisy Duke-Ya from Skyland. She's way nice!

The Hellions earned a narrow victory over the Skyland Roller girls on Saturday, June 4. This was the first bout of our summer season - our last home bout at Rollarama was in March against the Killah Bees from Rhode Island, so we were raring to go!

The Skyland girls were great! They were strong players and it was a close game the whole time.

I like these pictures because the Skyland pivot is in a very serious stance. In the first one, I, as pivot, look a little too relaxed (oops), but in the second one, Knockout is ready to roll too.

Like I said, this was a close and intense game... kind of nail biting even! The final score was 106 Hellions - 93 Skyland. We had a small lead at the half, and it was tied at one point in the second period.

It's not all about the score though. We hadn't had a game this close in a long time. Thank you so much to Skyland for coming up to play us!

Congrats to the bout MVPs, Hanna Solo and Daisy Duke-Ya! Oh, and I need to mention - we had some WIPs at our bout... Wicked Important People... Wicked Skatewear that is. B-Train, Quadzilla, and Strych9 were in town! The previous evening they were rocking an Albany All Stars event - Wicked Hijinks (which btw, was a good time!) so we invited them to our bout the next night. They are all WAY nice and I even saw Quadzilla jump out of his seat when Naughtia Nitrous landed a big, big hit.

Storm and Quadzilla... yeah!

Catching up on bout recaps: HoTRD vs Garden State Rollergirls 5/14/11

2011-06-27T07:30:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, May 14 we hit the road for New Jersey. Oh New Jersey.
This was a double header with Suburbia Roller Derby (Westchester, NY) vs. the Garden State Ironbound Maidens, and the Hellions of Troy vs. GSR's Brick City Bruisers. New York took the win for both games! The Hellions took the win over Garden State this weekend: 183 – 72. Like my catch-up recap for the URG bout, I'm sorry I don't remember a ton of details bout the game, but here's some quips from the weekend in general!

Kitty, Deadlie, and Spam on the line, Baby Nuclear ready to start the jam. Photo by George Govel

I can't tell you how much fun I had that weekend in New Jersey.
Two tweets sum up how close I got to my teammates...

We did pretty good. I think we took as few cars as possible to get down. I rode down in Disharmony's Prius with Pork Slap, Escargot, and Sweet Madness.

Baby Nuclear and I played "team moms" this weekend and coordinated actually 14ish people between the two rooms at the hotel. There was swimming, Red Robin burger eating (not the best choice before bouting - FYI), and climbing out hotel windows.

Lehman and Storm saving the world from zombies! Photo by Ida.

But back to the bout... New Jersey's venue is great! It's like Rollarama and a hockey arena had a baby. We took advantage of the arcade before the bout started ... the skating surface was nice and I got to see Sean "Hale Yeah" the photographer in person again. Speaking of which, he got some great photos!

Reading our team pump up chant, as lead by Hazmatt. Photo by Hale Yeah

Hellions introduction lap! We are so ready to bout! I love Storm's face. Photo by Hale Yeah

* * *

Eloda's parents also made the trip down. I count them amongst the Hellions SUPER FANS.

Pork Slap IS awesome. And Ed made that sign himself.
AMAZING! Photo by George Govel

Catching up on bout recaps: HoTRD vs Utica Roller Girls 4/23/11

2011-06-24T17:30:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, April 23 we shipped out to Utica, NY to take on the Utica Roller Girls. I was excited about this bout as I was selected to be the captain, and we also had three brand new players on the track: Explosive Echo, Lehman Smothers, and Naughtia Nitrous! It's crazy - I can't remember derby WITHOUT these girls now!

Back (L to R): Coach Doc Hazard, Explosive Echo, Mathundra Storm, Lehman Smothers,
Delinquent Dollie, Disharmony, Torya Anewone, Con-tagious, Sweet Madness,
Valerie Valkyrie, Coach Kitty P, Coach Hanna Solo Front (L to R): Deadlie Mercury, Spam Ghetti-ho's, Nymph O'Maniac, Naughtia Nitrous,
Baby Nuclear (as mascot!), Short Temper

Captains meeting. Photo by Janelle Rodriguez Photography

Look at all those lovely women!! I love bouts with new girls. URG also fielded several new players. Being the captain was an interesting experience. As captain, you have the special privilege of being able to (respectfully) address the referees (believe me, they only want to deal with one or two screaming/upset players, not a whole team).

The final score of the game was 162 Hellions – 69 Utica Rollergirls. I'm sorry I remember more details of the game...but here are a few more pictures:

Disharmony and Explosive Echo build a nice wall on the inside line, while URG's offense attemps to create a whole for
their jammer, Jenerator. Photo by Janelle Rodriguez Photography

Hellions build a three person wall in the front. Photo by Janelle Rodriguez Photography

HoTRD jammer Naughtia Nitrous neck-and-neck with URG's jammer, as Torya Anewone looks to do something about that...Photo by Janelle Rodriguez Photography

Troy Night Out tonight

2011-06-24T11:05:00.000-04:00

Monument Square
Image via wikipedia,
via ravedelay on flickr

We'll be at Troy Night Out tonight. Stop over to Monument Square (you know, that area around the giant statute of the women blowing the vuvuzuela) around 6pm. Last summer we were at 2nd & Broadway.

It's it not rainy/wet, we hope to do some skating demos! You can also pick up some Hellions merch, a season flyer, or/and autographs - if you want! <3 xoxo

See ya tonight, rain or shine!

Hellions of DNN tonight!

2011-06-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight's bout in Canada - Hellions vs. Montreal's Les Filles du Roi will be broadcast live on Derby News Network. The game begins at 7pm est.
Miss it live? The bout may be archived - check back here for a link.

Good morning from Montreal

2011-06-11T08:57:00.001-04:00

Hello from our beautiful castle-like hostel in Montreal! A large number of Hellions rolled into the city yesterday evening and proceeded to take control.
Actually, my first stop was poutine at Resto la Banquise on Rue Rachel. This is what I feel like today due to fries, cheese curds, and gravy (photo right).

Today we take on one of Montreal Roller Derby's home teams, Les Filles du Roi. This means "the Kings Daughters" in French.

I first wrote about my excited due to this bout 3 months ago. Not only does Montreal kick ass on the track, but they are also widely known for being a close knit, fun loving league (ask anyone who's seen them at tournaments). While we're not playing the New Skids on the Block (MTLRD's WFTDA A-team), it's an honor to play one of their home teams. According to DNN's June Power Rankings, the New Skids are currently ranked #5 in the Eastern Region (and #18 overall). Gonna learn a thing or two tonight....
Especially since I will be watching from the sidelines. I'm an alternate for this bout (player 15 or 16 on a 14 person roster). It's all good. After watching my teammates at practice, I'm really excited to see how we do tonight. Our coaching had some good drills for us to work on this past week. So excited!!

Heavens No, Hellions YEAH!

Hellions bout TONIGHT! And Rollarama is closer than you think.

2011-06-04T12:12:00.001-04:00

Woohoo - bout day! Doors at 7pm @ Rollarama in Schenectady. Y'know, getting to Rollarama from Albany is a lot easier than you might think. It's a straight shot over I-90 West. Only 20 minutes from downtown ALB. Easy.

Point A (Albany) to point B (Rollarama!)

Some people are surprised we play in Schenectady, but really, Rollarama has a great skating surface! Also, it's not the "Schenectady" you think it is. Rollarama is not in downtown, and there's good amount of parking - if not in the rink lot, but also in the car wash next door.

SEE YOU TONIGHT!

Next home bout: Saturday June 4

2011-05-31T06:20:00.000-04:00

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/169033

Schools out for summer! Celebrate the beginning of summer with the Hellions of Troy and the Skyland Roller Girls in the first home bout of the HoTRD summer season. The theme of the bout is “School’s out for Summer!”, so come dressed in your favorite sock-hop gear and ready to celebrate in true 1950s schools-out fashion.

We’re transcending several decades with this bout: a 1950s theme, a sport that became popular in the 1970s, and fans who will witness real-deal modern derby action.

Coming out of our Winter/Spring Season with five wins out of six bouts, we are excited to be hosting The Skyland Roller Girls, an established all-female flat track roller derby team based in the NJ Skylands Region. Half-time entertainment will be provided by The Sunny Side of the Street Band and we'll keep the party rolling after the bout with an after party down the street at D’Angelo’s Play by Play for food and drinks.

Lmbr Timber Onu

We'll be donating a portion of the profits from this bout to Lori Aid, to help Lori, aka Lmbr Timber Onu #88 of Emerald Coast Roller Derby, as she recovers from a severe domestic violence attack. For more information: http://www.facebook.com/LoriAid

Hellions invade New Jersey

2011-05-14T11:00:00.001-04:00

Drivin' down to NJ today!

Today we are heading down to New Jersey for a double header with Suburbia Roller Derby against The Garden State Rollergirls. It's the Battle of the Bridge: NY vs. NJ!

It should be an easy ride downstate. It should be about a three hour drive. The bout is a double header, so we'll be playing late and getting done late - so most of us are staying the night - Hellions party!!

This is the last game of our Winter*Spring 2011 Season, which ended up being 6 bouts in total instead of 5 (we played Utica in April). We've had a great season so far and every team we played was amazing! We also introduced quite a few new girls this season.

With the end of this season, we're headed right into the summer season! Our next home bout is Saturday, June 4 against the Skyland Roller Girls.

My one year bout-aversary

2011-05-13T20:15:00.001-04:00

The bout flyer from last year - May 8, 2010.

I can't believe I missed my one year bout-aversary!! That is to say, my very first roller derby bout one year ago: May 8, 2011 against the Utica Rollergirls!

Since then, I have played so much derby! I joined the Hellions in September 2009 - I am almost a two year veteran of the team.

Looking back, I have played in 10 bouts total, plus Empire Skate Showdown on Long Island last September. WOW! My "record" is four losses and six wins. Not bad :)

Tomorrow, when we play Garden State, it will be my 11th bout.

One other interesting thing is that tomorrow, my boyfriend, "Massacre", who refs for the Hellions but also plays for the Capital District Men's Roller Derby league, will play in his first bout ever!

Bout in Utica this weekend

2011-04-20T07:32:00.001-04:00

This weekend we''re traveling to Utica to take on the Utica Rollergirls! My first bout ever was against this team -- just about 11 months ago. And ... exciting news ... I will be the Team Captain for this game! Sweet! The Hellions switch up team captains for different games.
My Grandma and brother live in Utica, so I'll be heading up in the morning to Utica for a family visit.

Utica Rollergirls Season Opener

Saturday April 23rd

Utica Rollergirls vs Hellions of Troy

Doors @ 6:30pm; Whistle @ 7:00pm

New Hartford Rec Center 4 Mill St New Hartford

Tickets $10 at door, under 5 free, $5 ages 6-12.

Men's Derby: recruitment night next week

2011-04-13T17:45:00.000-04:00

I was going to blog about Capital District Men's Roller Derby recruitment night, but it looks like it has been postponed to Wednesday, April 20. CDMRD, who is currently undefeated, is looking for a few good men to fill their ranks.

Find our how you can play Mens Roller Derby in the Capital District.

Date
Wednesday, April 20 · 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location
Washington Ave Armory
195 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY

Congratulations to Capital District Men's Roller Derby on winning their first ever bout!

2011-04-11T08:45:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, CDMRD became the new sweethearts of the Capital Region. The boys switched out of their stripes to roll in their own game:

Broller Derby

Dangle Derby

Merby

Men's Roller Derby

A Ladd Insane jamming, Roarshock blocking, the Fox as Pivot, and Wellen Dowd
Photo by Walter Romero

Several of the men on the team are also Hellions referees: The Fox, Massacre, Hart Attack, A Ladd Insane, and Roarshock. Many of the other men also got their start as referees...I've seen Wellen Dowd at Albany All Stars bouts since I can remember.

I love men's derby. My second post on this blog was actually about men's derby. There are not too many men's derby teams in the world, but it's slowly gaining popularity. An interesting statistic from the recently released WFTDA 2011Demographic Survey:

Current female skaters show a greater support for men’s roller derby than those not involved in the sport. Twenty-eight percent of skaters support men’s roller derby at least on an equal level as women’s roller derby, significantly more than the thirteen percent of fans who express equal or greater support for men’s roller derby.

When it comes to Men's Roller Derby, I say don't knock it 'til you try it. After watching the CDMRD's Capital District Trauma Authority (CDTA) take on the Utica's Quadfathers this weekend, I think many fans who came in skeptical left thrilled by the action they witnessed.

I was about 10 minutes late to the bout because I had driven down and back to Long Island that morning for a scrimmage with the Hellions. When I walked into the Armory, CDTA was winning 24 - 1. I couldn't believe me eyes. I quickly found the rest of the Hellions who came to cheer and proceeded to scream my head off for the next hour.

The seemingly untouchable Die-Lon. Photo by Walter Romero.

Die-Lon bench coaching our December
bout. It's all good! Photo by
Walter Romero.

The hits were big and the pace was fast. CDTA was great about making way for their own jammers. Also, Wellen Dowd, who ended up earning MVP, really shined with his clear knowledge of the game and he actually really kicked ass in terms of play, especially hitting.

Die-Lon, of the Quadfathers, acted as the antagonist of the bout in the eyes of the local crowd...CDTA's fans cringed when they saw Die-Lon lay on the big hits, and cheered when CDTA managed to dodge his strikes. This dynamic further lifted the boys in blue from the Capital District into the hearts of their fans. A quick note about Die-Lon, though. He's a great guy and an incredible skater who knows the game. He actually benched for the Hellions "Nice" team back in December for our "Naughty vs Nice" intraleague bout. Haters gonna hate; skaters gonna skate.

The final score of the game was 110 CDTA - 77 Quadfathers.

Read a great blog post by CDTA jammer Johnny Malice over on the TU Roller Derby blog and a recap of the game from the perspective of the Quadfathers on their blog.

Drink milk

2011-04-07T07:26:00.002-04:00

I found this little tidbit in a recent edition of USA Roller Sports magazine. I love chocolate milk.

That is all.

Fresh meat blog: Learning Derby

2011-03-25T08:27:00.002-04:00

One of our new fresh meat, Pemmican (many of our fresh meat this go-around have rather exotic names!), has been blogging about her experience as a new skater. Her blog is called Learning Derby and she's been blogging about a week in a half. So far she's covered thoughts on joining the team, to getting better in the first week, and just last night she wrote about finally getting her own gear and skates!

Check out her blog and see what it's like to be a new skater! Veteran skaters, do you remember what it's like to be new?

Derby road trip to Boston - February 26

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

At the end of February, I traveled to Boston with Ida and Eloda for the Boston Derby Dames vs. Montreal New Skids on the Block. It was my first time at a Boston home game... and Montreal is one of my favorite teams!

But before we went to the game, we spent some time in Salem where we met up with Con-tagious and Jen! Salem is the place where the... Salem Witch Trials took place, but of course we found loads of derby there!

The Derby House

Derby House (1762) - built in 1762 by Captain Richard Derby as a wedding gift for his son, a fine example of Georgian architecture.
Derby Wharf (1762, extended 1806) - Salem's longest wharf (nearly 1/2 mile). When in active use, it was lined with warehouses of goods from around the world. The Derby Wharf Light (1871) remains at the end of the wharf. [Wikipedia]

Miss Ida and Eloda in front of the Derby House

Jen and Con-Tagious

Yeah!!

Walking around town, we all came across this picture: a dinosaur wearing roller skates, with a shark riding on it's back. OK.

Salem was pretty interesting. We went to the House of Seven Gables and got our history on!

And speaking of finding derby...thanks to Twitter we knew that some of the Jerzey Derby Brigade was walking the streets of Salem. And what do ya know, we ran into Doom Hilda and some other JDB peeps! As MellFire said, "I knew you would! Roller derby takes a big bad world and makes it small and sweet! :)"

Eloda Sarcasm and Doom Hilda

After our adventures in Salem, we headed to the Boston Derby Dames bout! The Boston Massacre took on Montreal's New Skids on the Block. It was a "wicked" exciting game - The New Skids won, 112 - 84.

Boston Massacre vs. New Skids on the Block

One thing that's pretty cool about Boston is that their fans LOVE their home teams. In fact, the A teams (Massacre v New Skids) was the opening game, with the main event being the intraleague bout - the Cosmonaughties vs the Nutcrackers (BDD's third home team is the Wicked Pissahs). The fans are absolultely nuts about the home teams. Actually, it seemed that the Boston fans were pretty smart about derby in general. I didn't overhear any conversations where one party expressed confusion. Actually, very often I heard fans discussion strategy. Impressive! The scene at the Shriner's Auditorium was true to what a Saratogian blogger, Matt's Discount Sports Blog, recently wrote about. Totally fun.

The Cosmonaughties vs Nutcrackers game was really close. Points gained were neck and neck the entire bout. The final score was Cosmonaughties 102-Nutcrackers 101. From what I understand, the home teams often end with finals scores within just points of each other. No wonder that fans are bananas for derby out there.

Special thanks to Boston Derby Dame, Hayley Contagious, who hosted Ida, Eloda, and I on Saturday evening. She also wrote the bout recaps for that night, so you should check 'em out!

Schenectady Art Night tonight

2011-03-18T12:40:00.000-04:00

Make sure to stop by Schenectady Art Night tonight in downtown Schenectady. We'll have a table inside Proctor's (near the coffee place). Come say hello!

We should still have pretty nice weather tonight - beautiful night for a stroll down Jay Street and around State Street!

Schenectady Art Night is the third Sunday of every month. Check out this month's flyer here: http://www.artnightschenectady.com/
pdf/Artnight_March11_Flyer_SM.pdf

After Art Night, think about sticking around Proctor's for a performance by the Mop & Bucket Co. It looks like their current theme is Chortle Kombat. From the disclaimer in the video on their website, This show contains no actual deadly combat.

Yeah yeah, we say the same thing about roller derby.

Hudson Valley Horrors scrimmage (+ Sonic Drive-in)

2011-03-18T07:40:00.003-04:00

On Monday, March 7, a bunch of us traveled down to Hyde Park to scrimmage the Hudson Valley Horrors. These girls are so fun and nice, and I love their rink, Roller Magic! It has a really beautiful floor, sorta like Rollarama. HVHRD is also the home team for referee Ludachris Speed, and everybody likes him.

Both teams had a good number of girls, but we also ended up with Square Broot, Spazzy, and Savior Self on our team. Square Broot's name cracks me up! Math!! <3

The teams were evenly matched. At half time the score was 68-68!

Pink blurs = Hellions; black blurs = Horrors. (Ah yes, the horrible iphone photography you've come
to expect from this blog).

Yak Stew (background) on the jammer line.

One of our most recent fresh meat graduates, Yak Stew (still so new she doesn't have a derby name yet) made it down for the scrimmage. Here she is lined up on the jammer line ready to rock...

And she got lead jammer status!

Go little pink blur, go!

The final score of the scrimmage was 132 - 104.

And then after the scrimmage... we had to go to Sonic. Of course. Annnnd, special note.. our waiter/food bring-er out-er guy wore this roller skates!! (Because we begged him to).

Greetings from Sonic in Kingston, NY. Love, the Hellions.

Hellions vs. Killah Bees - March 5 bout recap

2011-03-17T07:40:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, March 5, the Hellions of Troy hosted the Killah Bees of Providence Roller Derby from Providence, RI. We knew this would be our most challenging bout of the season, but we were ready. We were going into the bout undefeated this season, so this was the team to lose to. But not without a fight.

Providence's A team, the Rhode Island Riveters, played at Eastern Regionals back in September. The Killah Bees style of play was definitely in the style of the top teams in the East. As soon as the took the pivot line, they established a dominant and confident position.

Photo by George Govel via Facebook

Photo by Matt Wilson via Facebook.

They were also not uncomfortable with the strategy of taking a knee at the pivot line before the start of the jam whistle. If implemented properly, this strategy immediately starts jam, releasing the jammers as soon as the refs are able to blow their whistles. This strategy was popular at Eastern Regionals and Nationals this year.

I did not play in this bout, but the report from the rostered girls was that the Bees hit clean and hard.

The final score of the bout was 211 Bees - 59 HoT.

Lets not forget the theme of this bout was Moustache Party. I must make note of some particularly awesome 'staches:

Con-Tagious and Jen working the door and welcome fans to the Moustache Party!

Spam and Hanna Solo with some fine upper lip decoration.

Arts and crafts moustache station.

I got into the craft station myself... me with Ida and Scarbucks :)

Hellions of Troy take on the Vermonster!!

2011-03-15T08:09:00.000-04:00

The plan all along was to hit up Ben & Jerry's as part of our road trip to Vermont. And what a better way to end our antic-filled road trip?

Photo by Knockout Kid.

Sunday (February 20) late morning a bunch of us met up at Ben & Jerry's on Church St. in Burlingtown to take on the Vermonster.

Wow. There's a lot going on in there.

Eloda presents the Vermonster.

Although this is the before picture, I believe more or less of these people ultimately partook in the epic undertaking. I, for one, was wrapping up hanging out with my family that morning, so I was part of the clean up crew.

Back Row: Miranda Wrights, Captain Slow, Skittles, Ivanna, Beefcake, Miss Ida
Front Row: Baby Nuclear, Knockout Kid, Spam, Deadlie Mercury, Eloda Saracasm, Luci D. Dream

Making some progress.

Can almost see the bottom...

Like I said, I wasn't able to get to Ben & Jerry's until near the end of the bucket, as it were. By then the ice cream was pretty melted... just the way I like it.

Clean up crew.

Not sure how long this whole crazy situation took. About 45 minutes?
Annnddd the after shot:

It looks like everyone had mixed emotions about the experience. Great job, Hellions.

Side note: Alloveralbany.com wrote about taking on the Vermonster just recently as well! Check out their post, which includes a video about how the Vermonster is made.

Hilarity and good times ensue up in Vermont

2011-03-14T07:09:00.005-04:00

Quick recap on the Green Mountain Derby Dames bout here: http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/hotrdvgmdd/2927/

We had so much fun in Vermont last month! Once I got to the bout, I made the unique decision to break in my new set of Poison wheels. My Atom Queen Bs are pretty much bald, and probably too hard for GMDD's polished concrete floor. Shockratease helped me perform surgery on my skates.

It's not a great idea to use any kind of new equipment during an important event, but I'm glad I did. GMDD's floor was a lot slicker than Rollarama, and the balance the Poisons provided me really helped me out. I did end up with a lil' blister, but no big deal.

Other Hellions antics included having a second floor locker room and subsequently piling into the elevator and giving certain people a nervous fit. muah hahah.

Sure, come on in, we've got plenty of room!

Getting cozy.

HoTtest elevator ride ever.

Unfortunately, Hanna Solo was able to attend the GMDD bout, so in our locker room we made homage to her. We love her.

It spells H-A-N-N-A - see?

I stayed with some family who live in Essex, Vermont, so I missed what sounded like a fun after party of karaoke and laughter. Then there was the hotel hot tub situation . . . YEAHHHH.

Lastly (although, how do you top the above picture?), Sunday late morning a bunch of us met up at Ben & Jerry's on Church St. in Burlingtown to take on the Vermonster. But that's a post for itself...

The rumors are true: HoTRD to play Montreal - Les Filles du Roi this June

2011-03-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

You may not have heard it hear first, but I'm here to confirm it! The Hellions will cross the border to Canada to take on one of Montreal Roller Derby's home teams - Les Filles du Roi.

Montreal Roller Derby was the first Canadian team to be accepted to the WFTDA. Their all star team, the New Skids on the Block, were the sweethearts of last year's WFTDA 2010 Eastern Regionals. This year, according to DNN's Power Rankings, they are currently ranked #7 in the Eastern Region (and #12 overall). They're 4-1 (W/L) in 2011, having only the 2009 WFTDA Champions, the Oly Rollers, last month.

Let me just say - I am super excited for this bout. Not only does Montreal kick ass on the track, but they are also widely known for being a close knit, fun loving league (ask anyone who's seen them at tournaments). While we're not playing the New Skids on the Block (thank goodness), it's an honor to play one of their home teams.

This will not be our first international bout. On July 18, 2009, HoTRD took on Rideau Valley's Slaughter Daughters @ Frear Park (our 2009 Season venue). This is before I joined the Hellions, but you can view video of the bout on USteam: Period 1 and Period 2. However, this will be our first time traveling internationally for a bout. Look out Canada!

The Hellions of Troy will travel to Montreal to play Montreal Roller Derby's Les Filles du Roi on June 11, 2011.

The rest of our summer season will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Recent Fresh Meat Graduates!

2011-03-07T07:07:00.000-05:00

We had a recruitment night last night, which reminded me I need to honor our most recent fresh meat graduates (and some not that really recent anymore!)

I like to post when fresh meat graduate so I can look back after a few months, especially when they've been through a couple bouts. I kind of love this photo from when Spam, Hanna, Dollie, and Baby graduated. I can't believe it was back in May 2010!

Anyway, here's some pics of our recent graduates...some who have already even bouted!

November 2010 Fresh Meat Graduates

Amelia Tear Her Apart, SinVinceable, Torya Anewone, Con-Tagious, Disharmony, Evo Huntress. .... and Flexi?!? What are you doing back there?

Freshest of the Fresh: February 2011 Fresh Meat Graduates

Graduation Master of Ceremony Beefcake introducing the girls with their new derby names for the first time.

Lehman Smothers, Jewish Lighting, Explosive Echo, Murder Muffin, and yet-to-be-named-still-being-called-Yak-Stew.

Introducing: Sassa Blanca!

Oh, and one more stragler: congrats to Sassa Blanca, even though you showed up late to practice!! We still love you though.

Not gonna lie - it's hard to remember to call the girls by their new names. Disharmony's gonna be "Road Kill" in my mind for a while. I can't help it! But some names are sticking and already earning nicknames. "J-Light"? I like it!

Tonight's half time entertainment: the The Lucky Jukebox Brigade!

2011-03-05T16:24:00.001-05:00

Check out the Lucky Jukebox Brigade! Our own Spam Ghetti-ho's is a member and they'll be playing at our bout tonight. You can listen to some of their tunes on their facebook page.

From their bio:

After forming a full six piece band in November of 2010, we decided on 4 songs to record and went to Warming Room Studios, and with the help of Carl Blackwood, created the 4-track EP you're hearing! Now, we're playing local shows and are planning to record a full length by the end of the year. We hope to see you at a show soon, and don't forget, some day the world will be saved by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade!

This will be some fun music to entertain you (on top of all the derby action) tonight!

Lucky Jukebox Brigade: music you can high five to.

Sooo.... you wanna be a Hellion? Recruitment night: Sunday March 6

2011-03-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Thinking about joining roller derby? Come check out our recruitment night - this Sunday, March 6!

Come to practice, watch us scrimmage, talk with skaters, and see if roller derby is right for you!

~Read more about joining the Hellions here: http://www.hellionsoftroyrollerderby.com/join-us/

Once you join up, you'll be part of a "fresh meat" class - we'll teach you the rules, improve your skating, teach you the skills needed play derby (stopping, falling, hitting, and more) - and before you know it, you'll be kicking ass on the track. Come check us out! The Hellions of Troy want to make all of your roller derby dreams come true.

Great Derby Social 2011 - Recap

2011-03-02T07:03:00.002-05:00

Photo by Knockout.

As I mentioned in the February events post, there was a roller derby social in February up in Enfield, NH. The Great Derby Social was just that - a time to meet or reconnect with derby people in the northeast. Most of the leagues that were there were from New Hampshire and Vermont. The Hellions and the Utica Roller Girls represented New York! There were also a few leagues from Massachusetts.

Disharmony, Knockout, and I headed up to New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon (February 12). It was a nice drive; it did start snowing when we arrived, though! We blew in around 5pm - by that point things were well under way so we hauled in our stuff, set up "camp" at one of the snack bar booths, and checked out the scene.

"Camp" at the Great Derby Social. Photo by Knockout.

Teams were also able to set up merch at the event. I set up next to Bear from Capital District Men's Roller Derby (CDMRD).

Photo by Knockout.

Knockout and Disharmony were eager to get on their skates and sign up for scrimmaging. I, on the other hand, had taken a hard hit to my shoulder a couple days before and was hurting. I didn't end up skating in any scrimmages, but I did do a bit of open skate. I did do a lot of socializing, though!

I met some mad cool peeps that weekend, including dudes from the Burlington Bombers! Yay for broller derby.

Men's scrimmage at the Great Derby Social.

The next scrimmage after we arrived was a mixed male/female scrimmage which Disharmony participated in. Later in the evening, I watched Knockout and Disharmony play in a women's mixed scrimmage, and even later in the night there was a mens mixed scrimmage. I was cheering on Bear from Capital District Men's Roller Derby

For the scrimmages I decided to help NSO. I got to be the penalty box mistress. There was also a junior derby league there (I forget which state they were from...) but I helped a couple of their players learn how to work the box (er, poor choice of wording? sorry). When the girls we're NSOing with me, they were kicking as on the track - those junior derby girls will be amazing once they're of age to skate on a women's team!

Ref race at the Great Derby Social.

Other fun events including referee races and other skating games (dodgeball - ahhhh). I wish there had been more frequent scrimmaging, though. Sometimes the scrimmages were only 20 minutes long - then a break of a couple hours until the next one. This was the first time though, so I imagine next time it will be a bit more organized. One thing I would like to compliment is that the organizers made sure there was enough food and drink for everyone! The event was somewhat of a potluck, but there was more food available beyond what everyone brought, which was great.

Because we are crazy, Disharmony, Knockout, and I headed out in the wee hours of the morning (the event was supposed to last until noon on Sunday). Since most leagues in attendance seemed like they were from the general area, many left around midnight. We were tired and kind of looking forward to sleeping in a bed. So we made the trek back to Albany around 4am. Disharmony, our amazing driver, got us safe and sound back to Albany and I think the three of us hit our pillows like a ton of bricks. Then we went to practice that Sunday night because we are amazing (and like I said, crazy - about derby that is).

Next home bout: Saturday, March 5

2011-03-01T23:37:00.002-05:00

This weekend! And our last home bout of the 2010-11 Winter season. Our Summer season will be announced some time this month!!

Going to the bout? Say so on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171840869517601

And buy advance tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153059

Greetings from Massachusetts

2011-02-26T08:16:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all. Greetings from Massachusetts! We made it - hell, high water, or snowstorm could not stop us last night.

Today I'm adventuring in Salem with Ida and Eloda, and then we are going to the Boston Derby Dames vs. Montreal New Skids on the Block bout! My first time at a Boston home game. Montreal is one of my favorite teams - they're so fun - check out the video in this post. I don't know a lot about BDD, so I'm not sure how I want to call this bout. Based on Montreal's performance against Jet City (MTL 121 - JET 110) a couple weeks ago, Montreal might be able to sneak by. Their game against Rat City was even closer (MTL 110 - RAT 103). Although, it looks like historically BDD has come out on top. I think it will be a close game!

Check out DNN's preview of the game here: http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/2011/02/preview_24_montreal_faces_13_boston

Sorry for the quick post, but it's time to head to breakfast!

HoT vs. Oz Roller Girls - Feb 5 Bout Recap

2011-02-25T06:33:00.001-05:00

February 5, 2011
Hellions of Troy vs. Oz Roller Girls of Oswego, NY
Final score: 171 HoT – 90 OZRD

OZRG helping set up the track. Many hands make light the work :)

This bout was OZRG's first bout ever. It was an honor to pop their bout cherries! They were great. From the minute they got to Rollarama, they were all about helping us set up and get ready.

You can read hightlights and get links to video over on the Times Union blog: http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/hotoz/2738/

This bout was kinda cool for me because I went to college with one of the Oz skaters - Insane Assilem! (Top row, second girl from left). She lived right across the hall from me in good ol' Steinmetz Hall at SUNY Albany. Whoever thought Steinmetz would produce two rocking derby girls? Then again, there's a lot it produced that none of us ever could've called.

HoT & OZRG post game smiles! Nice job all. Photo by Lindi Himes (via facebook).

This won't be the last we see of OZRG. They've been known to swoop in on Assault City Mixed Scrimmages - I'm sure we'll see 'em there sometime soon!

Hellions featured in Schenectady Gazette newspaper article

2011-02-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

This is "old news" but the Gazette attended our January 15 bout against the Nickel City Knockouts and wrote up a nice piece of us. The Gazette is a subscription newspaper, so unless you bought a paper copy you'll have to play a couple bucks to access the article. I grabbed a paper copy - here's a couple cell phone pics! I just want to say I reallllly appreciate the full color photos!

HoT vs. Nickel City Knock Outs - Jan 15 Bout Recap

2011-02-24T07:03:00.000-05:00

[Catching up on some old stuff]

January 15, 2011
Hellions of Troy vs. Nickel City Knock Outs of Queen City Roller Derby (Buffalo, NY)
Final score: 130 HoT – 121 Nickel City

I primarily wrote about the NCKO bout over on the Times Union blog: http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/how-about-them-hellions/2491/, so make sure to check that all out.

Also, make sure to catch bout highlights courtesy of Space Chalky here: http://hellionsoftroy.blogspot.com/2011/02/video-hellions-of-troy-vs-nickel-city.html

Photo by Andy Kainz

I want to point out this was the first bout for Valerie Valkyrie and Disharmony. Woohoo! They did great.

Valerie Valkyrie blocks the jammer. Awesome derby stance!
Photo by Andy Kainz

Disharmony (middle) forms a nice wall with Epic (right) and Hanna (left).
Just like at practice. Perfect! Photo by Andy Kainz.

Lastly, lets talk about their sweet logo! One of my new favorite roller derby t-shirts. This is what I look like at home, post-bout and after party. Tired, sweaty, disheveled, happy.

New Logo!

2011-02-17T06:12:00.000-05:00

The Hellions of Troy have a new logo! Isn't she beautiful? The logo was designed by local artist Jess Fink (note: some of the images on her website are NSFW). Jess Fink...sound familiar? She's been feature on All Over Albany and threadless. I bet you recognize some of her designs.

I'm so thrilled! I love her smirk. Hope you love the logo as much as we do.

Pamda Bear on RDIT January Roundup

2011-02-16T06:14:00.000-05:00

Roller Derby Inside Track is one of my favorite roller derby blogs. It has derby news from around the world and lots of articles with thoughtful commentary. A photo of one of our new referees, Pamda Bear, was highlighted as an interesting photo for their January Roundup!

Pete Rodriguez, a photographer with CNYRD, took the picture at our January 15 bout against the Nickel City Knockouts (thanks for coming and shooting the bout, Pete!!! and congrats on being picked up by RDIT!)

Love the makeup, Pamda Bear!

Pamda Bear. Photo by Pete Rodriguez.

Oh, and PS - RDIT picked up my Bacteria Move in Derby Direction post in their February 10th weekly round up. Just sayin'!

Helmet Stickers from Etsy

2011-02-15T06:58:00.002-05:00

I was recently admiring Torya Anewone's fancy new helmet stickers, so I asked her to send me some pics and tell me about the Etsy store where she got the stickers.

Torya purchased her helmet stickers from TLKellyGraphics - Custom Vinyl Decals on Etsy. Here's her short testimony:

Really great fast service. She took the time to send me several proofs for approval and made sure I was happy with my order. I found the store searching 'roller derby' on Etsy. TLKellyGraphics has a good selection of both fonts and vinyl colors to choose from - I was also pleasantly surprised with how easy the decals were to apply. I completely recommend buying from this shop.

Here's the exact item she bought (customized): http://www.etsy.com/listing/64259167/custom-derby-duo-roller-name-single.
The buyer specifies:

Name exactly as you want printed on helmet
4 digit Alpha/numeric number
Color of vinyl
Font style choice

Here are a couple more pictures. I really love the font she picked. Awesome stuff, check it out!

Rudechix Valentine's Day Sale

2011-02-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

One of our sponsors, Rudechix, is having a Valentine's Day Sale! 20% off on that day only! Special discount code will be announced on their Facebook fan page and Twitter. Keep an eye out there for the code to be announced soon!

February Events

2011-02-11T07:31:00.005-05:00

Where can you catch the Hellions this month? February is the shortest month of the year, but there's a lot of derby stuff going on!

Saturday, February 5: Bout Day! Hellions take on the Oz Roller Girls of Oswego, NY.

Thursday, February 10, 6:30 pm

Friday, February 11, 6:30 pm

Saturdayday, February 12, 2:30 pm

Hellions tabling at the SUNY Albany Vagina Monologues. Come out to see a great show!
Cost: $10, Proceeds from the performances go to Unity House in Troy.
Tickets will be sold at the door. Several Hellions are former Vagina Warriors (and we all are at heart: Short Temper, Reading Rambo, and Baby Nuclear.

Saturday, February 12 - Sunday, February 13
A few Hellions are headed to the Great Derby Social in Enfield, New Hampshire. 24 hours of socializing, open skate, and scrimmaging. If you're a local derby person, there's still time to sign up!

Friday, February 18
Schenectady Art Night. Stop in, say hello, buy tickets to our March 5 home bout :)

Saturday, February 19
Away bout in Burlington, Vermont against the Green Mountain Derby Dames! GMDD's Season Opener is a double header. So happy to be a part of it! Also, former Hellion Sonic Euthanizer now skates with GMDD. It will be a beautiful reunion!

[Of course we'd love to have all you Capital District fans come watch us play up in Vermont, but if you reallllly can't make the trip, you can check out the Albany All Stars at the Armory the same night.]

Saturday, February 26 Road Trip! It's not a HoT bout, some of us are just going out to show our support!
Boston Massacre v. New Skids on the Block || Cosmonaughties v. Nutcrackers
DOUBLE HEADER
Bout #1, 5 pm: Boston Massacre v. New Skids on the Block (Montreal)
Bout #2, 7 pm: Cosmonaughties v. Nutcrackers

Will I really be able to visit three states in the month of February? I hope so!!! Stay tuned..

Bonus: Saturday, March 5
Home bout at Rollarama against the PRD's Killah Bees. Save the date!

Video: Hellions of Troy vs. Nickel City Knockouts

2011-02-09T07:47:00.000-05:00

The amazing Space Chalky, a Hellions super fan, put together some awesome footage from our January 15 bout against the Nickel City Knockouts. Here's Part 1, with links to Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6wujK3oOjw
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZS2HFXh02s
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9XsPWjndUs

Derby Bruise Contest

2011-02-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

If you want to see some ridiculous bruises, check out this contest from The Life and Times of Lucy in Da Sky With Diamonds, sponsored by Scarred Derby Designs. (Warning: I wouldn't look at these while you're eating.. also, some could be considered NSFW because some girls are showing a bit of booty.)

Check out the site to see how you can vote for the "best" bruise. The contest ends Friday, February 11th at Noon EST.

I didn't submit a bruise, because I didn't really have anything too epic. But here's a pic I found from last April. It's the front of my leg, at and just below the knee. I don't think it hurt as much as it looks like it did. Bruises are kind of a roller derby badge of honor.

Bacteria Move in Derby Direction - Swim Fast, Turn Left!

2011-02-05T14:58:00.003-05:00

Track Explained Tee from BruisedBoutique.com

A while back, Mathundra Storm wrote a great post on the Times Union Roller Derby Blog about why we skate counter-clockwise. Doc Bi O'Hazard (she's a real life scientist!) recently sent me a this article about microoganisms which swim in the counter-clockwise direction (further adding to Mathundra's list.

The article, from Science News, is called Like NASCAR Drivers, Microbes Forced to Circle Forever to the Left (or when Doc read it, Like Derby Girls, Microbes Forced to Circle Forever to the Left). I read the article a few times (actually about ten times) before I began to understand it. Sharing it now with all you science-y peeps out there. Hooray for thinking of roller derby in unlikely places!

Hellions Bout Tonight!

2011-02-05T12:35:00.008-05:00

Hooray! It's bout day! See you tonight at Rollarama in Schenectady.

Reminder to all local derby peeps: Wear some of your team merch and let the ladies at the door know you're a derby player and pay only $5 at the door. It's a Deep Derby Discount!

Definitely coming to the bout? Say so on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176156729083419

I'm super excited for our three new girls who will make their debut tonight: Torya Anewone, Amelia Tear Her Apart, and Con-Tagious! Plus, Valerie Valkyrie and Disharmony will also make their second appearance.

I have a couple things on my agenda today before the bout. I've got laundry in the washer. I'm going to clean my mouthguard. I need to pick out something to wear. I need to eat breakfast (whoops, is it 12:30pm already?) Here's how a couple other Hellions are preparing for the bout (via facebook):

The theme of the bout is "No Place Like Home". Torya has the right idea!

Baby Nuclear's making some sweet decorations!

I also know the Oz Roller Girls are on their way here right now! See you tonight ladies!

Roller Derby = Good Times

2011-01-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

Check it out! A blogger for the Saratogian Newspaper, Honest Matt's Discount Sports Blog, recently wrote an article about roller derby after doing an interview with Eddie Krueger of the Oz Roller Girls. OZRG will travel to our home turf at Rollarama on Saturday, February 5, 2011.

Matt, a fan of the Boston Derby Dames before moving to the Capital Region, describes roller derby as an "unadulterated good time" and "the world's friendliest rock concert".

Check it out!

http://mattdiscountsports.blogspot.com/2011/01/roller-derby-worlds-friendliest-rock.html

Next bout: Saturday February 5, 2011

2011-01-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

The Hellions are excited to welcome the Oz Roller Girls to our home turf in just two weeks!

I've met the Oz Roller Girls on a couple occasions, thanks to the Assault City scrimmages. I think I just discovered I went to college with one of their skaters?! Thank you Facebook.

Advance tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com or from your favorite rollergirl.

As usual, we're offering a special derby discount to local roller girls: where your team jersey, scrimmage shirt, or other artifact with your team logo/image on it and get into the bout for only $5 at the door.

Definitely attending the bout? Say so on Facebook!

How to Wash Your Roller Derby Pads and Mouthguard

2011-01-20T07:08:00.004-05:00

Smelly.

Sometimes I open up my gear bag and am overwhelmed by the stink. Yuck! We work hard during practice, and some of us sweat a lot. I'll be honest: for a while, I didn't really bother washing my pads. I actually just left my gear bag in the car because I was too lazy to bring it inside. Once in a while I'd wash them, but not regularly.

I've turned over a new leaf. I'm sick of smelly pads! I try to make it a habit to always bring my pads inside and at least open up the bag to let them air out. That's a good start. I now also try to wash them once a week.

Washing your pads can be as simple as throwing them in your bathtub and letting them soak in hot water and color safe bleach. I prefer to just throw them in the washing machine.

Make sure when you wash your pads in the machine that you pre-velcro everything so the pads don't stick together and get stretched out.

Next, I put my pads in a zippered mesh bag so they don't get tossed and tumbled around too much.

Washing machine settings
+ Hot water;
+ Not too much detergent. I use the same stuff I wash my clothes with, but you can also use color safe bleach;
+ Gentle cycle;
+ Soak option, if available.

Drying instructions
Hang to dry! Don't put 'em in the dryer (at least according to all the internet research I've done.) A word of caution: pads can take 1 - 2 days to dry completely...so don't wash them the night before you have practice! When it's nice outside, you can also hang them outside to dry.
I hang my pads up to dry in our laundry room, which is pretty warm so they do dry rather fast.

So fresh and clean!

My custom mouthguard...the case has small holes
in it to allow it to dry. But I still need to wash it!

OK, so...what about your mouthguard? Again, I've been guilty of just tossing it in my derby bag and letting it sit. Then I upgraded to a mouthguard case with air holes, so it wasn't exposed and could properly dry out. A quick google search of "bacteria mouth guards" yields some scary results, including this article.

There are a few options for washing your mouthguard (note, these are just recommended methods, but not anything approved by medical professionals or whatever):

+ pure lemon juice soak
+ listerine before and after use
+ solution of water/ bleach
+ a scotch/ whiskey bath
+ brushing your mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste... which is what I do!

Brusha brusha brusha. Kinda messy, but getting it clean!

How do you wash your gear? How often do you wash it?

In Case You Missed It - AOA Article on Roller Derby

2011-01-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

AllOverAlbany.com, which I seriously love to pieces, recently posted an article by Liz, a new member of the AOA team. Liz also played roller derby in Illinois under the name "Bear Kylls". !!!

The articled is called "How to behave (or not) at a roller derby bout", which includes some great advice. I also helped contribute to the article... just sayin'. Make sure to check it out!

http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2011/01/12/how-to-behave-or-not-behave-at-a-roller-derby-bout

Queen of the Rink! January 15 Bout Recap

2011-01-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

We won our bout on Saturday! It was so fun and amazing - the team worked so well together. We were pushed to do so because we knew that Nickel City would be a very big challenge.

After the first few jams I knew the bout was not going to be a blow out. I saw so much impressive derby from both sides, but especially the Hellions!
All photos below by Andy Kainz unless otherwise noted!

Shockratease and Deadlie Mercury working together to stop the jammer.

Pork Slap sends a jammer flying.

Epic Kate-tastrophe jamming against one of KCNO's best jammers, and team captain, Addy Rawl.

Hanna Solo using the Force.

I think I actually landed this hit. Wooo. Photo by Pete Rodriguez.

For this bout we also introduced to brand new skaters: Valerie Valkyrie and Disharmony! Both girls have previously written guests posts (Val 1 | 2 and Disharmony). Anyway, these two have been KICKING ASS at practice so I knew they were ready. Disharmony is always where I need her to be when I'm jamming - up in the front clearing me a path! She's got great endurance and always gives 100% on the track. She rules.

Valerie is amazing at holding the line and not afraid of giving a hit. In the two pictures on the left you can see that we were working together in one jam. The KCNO jammer managed to get by me, but within seconds Valerie was able to race ahead to booty block her and slow her down, allowing Mathundra Storm and myself to catch up and form a strong three person wall. YEAH!!

I am SO PROUD of these two girls. And we have a couple more coming up in the ranks so expect to "meet" a couple more new Hellions soon!

What I really think pulled this game together for our team was our constant team work and remembering the drills we had worked on in the past month or so. I've never seen us work so tight together. We were constantly in the front of the pack holding walls and recycling when necessary.

NCKO had a few fast jammers which we had to adapt too. In the first period they were up 78 HoT - 90 NCKO. The game wasn't quite this close for the whole period however... Pork Slap scored 20 points in the last jam of the period to lessen their dominating lead. That's when we really started gaining momentum.

In the second period KNCO caught on to our walls and were able to fight fire with fire. But we just kept up what we were doing and we caught up and took the lead with only a couple minutes left in the game. It was very close at the end, the last few jams really decided it. In the end, the Hellions won the bout 130 - 121.

NNKO were pretty amazing. I'm so glad they came out and was honored to play them. We may have won the bout, but they won the after party. I got to talk to a few afterwards, including Beauty School Knockout, who is totally freaking sweet and nice. After parties are always crazy socially overwhelming for me, but I'm glad I got to talk to a few of their girls.

Thanks again Nickel City Knockouts for coming out and pushing us hard!

A few other people I need to thank:
Kitty and Flexi, who served as alternates for this roster, allowing Valerie and Disharmony to show us what they're made of.
Missy and Beefcake, our coaches.
Members of Albany All Stars Roller Derby, Capital District Men's Roller Derby, Central New York Roller Derby, Utica Roller Girls, the Quadfathers, Ithaca League of Women Rollers, and other leagues who made it out to see the bout (let me know if you were there and I missed your league!). Thank you all so much for supporting Local Derby!!
All the fans! Thank you for your support! Derby!!!

$2 Off Coupon in the Metroland

2011-01-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

If you don't trust your luck to win the All Over Albany or Nippertown ticket giveways, you can always rely on good ol' Metroland. There's a coupon for $2 off an adult admission at the door in last week's paper as well as the issue which is out today.

The coupon looks like this. Kinda.

Win Tickets to our Bout!

2011-01-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

Our friends at Nippertown and All Over Albany (seriously, we love these guys) are giving away tickets to our next bout on January 15. Check out their posts to enter to win!

http://www.nippertown.com/2011/01/10/win-free-tix-to-see-the-hellions-of-troy-on-saturday-11511 (winners selected and notified on Friday)

http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2011/01/12/tickets-for-next-hellions-roller-derby-bout (You must submit your comment by noon on Thursday January 13, 2011. Winners will be notified by 5 pm on Thursday and must respond by 9 am on Friday.)

Good luck! And stay tuned tomorrow to find out how you can save on tickets at the door on Saturday....

Help Downtown Troy Win a Pepsi Refresh Grant

2011-01-11T21:47:00.000-05:00

Downtown Troy is in the running for a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant.

You can vote once per day to help Troy gain the lead for this grant. Funding details are available on the Pepsi Refresh website:
http://www.refresheverything.com/downtowntroy

Hellions at Troy Night Out, June 2010

A portion of the funding will be used to support "Programming monthly art night" ... that must mean Troy Night Out, an event the Hellions were able to participate in a couple times this summer.

You can either vote at the website listed above or by sending a text message:
TEXT: 105518 | TO: PEPSI (73774)