Bout Recap: HoTRD vs. the Killah Bees

Hellions vs Killah Bees in 2011.

On Saturday, April 28 we hosted the Killah Bees of Providence Roller Derby.  We first met the Bees last year in one of our only bouts which we suffered a loss in 2011.  It was actually our greatest defeat of 2011 - a final score of Bees 211 - Hellions 59.  They were the first team we faced that consistently employed the strategy of taking a knee at the jammer line.
If implemented properly, this strategy immediately starts jam, releasing the jammers as soon as the refs are able to blow their whistles.

We were excited to host the Bees again to see how we would fair.

The beginning of the game was tough.  The Bees opened up with a huge 24-0 jam.  We didn't score for the first five jams, until Pork Slap took 8 points in jam 6.  We were getting our groove, but by the end of the first period, we were down 62-112.

In the locker room, we talked about their strategy and what we needed to do to react.  We recognized their tactics and discussed counter-strategy. We knew it would take teamwork.

Our refocusing at halftime worked.  We inched up in points.  Five jams into period two, Shockratease had an amazing 25 point power jam, which closed the gap even further.  It was so exciting!  Soon, after a couple strong jams from Pork Slap and Shockratease again, we finally took the lead.  We were so close to sweet victory, but the Bees weren't ready to give up.  A 20 point power jam for the Bees gave them back the lead, and they refused to give it up again.  The last 5 minutes of the bout were very exciting as both teams fought for points.

In the end, the Killah Bees won the bout with a score of 177 Bees - 169 HoT.  Only 8 points!  In roller derby, that's practically a tie!  Not bad after losing to them by over 150 points last year.  It was one of our best games so far this year.  Thank you Bees for the amazing game!

Hellions of Troy vs. Killah Bees 4.28.12

Next home bout: Saturday April 28

Online tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/235369
We played Providence Roller Derby's Killah Bees last March -- and we are ready for a rematch!

And here's something we are excited about: Nanny's Double Dutch League (recently featured on alloveralbany.com) will be joining us for our halftime show!

Hellions vs. Killah Bees - March 5 bout recap

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 :)

Next home bout: Saturday, March 5

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

February Events

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!

2011 Winter - Spring Season

Wondering about the next time you can check out some Hellions action? See you in January!

We've got a fun season coming up. Hopefully debuting some new girls in our home bouts, and taking on some challenging teams away. One bout I'm excited for: Green Mountain Derby Dames up in Vermont. Skiing anyone? Happy we're taking on WFTDA leagues - I love learning more and more about the organization when we get to play teams who are members. Still got my eye on the prize for the Hellions - one day!

All home games take place at Rollarama in Schenectady. Hope you're able to make it out to a bout (or three!) this season!