The Bad Reputations and Faster Pussycats meet for the first time this season
By Evada Perón, TCRG Reporter, Photos by Bob Ayers
It’s a new season of roller derby in Vancouver, and that means a brand new batch of rookies for the Terminal City Rollergirls, which has provided an exciting new level of competition between the TCRG house teams. The upcoming matchup on Saturday, April 21 at Minoru Arena in Richmond between the veteran-heavy Bad Reputations and rookie-packed Faster Pussycats will be a bout not to be missed.
It’s been quite some time since these two teams have met on the track, and Faster Pussycats’ team captain Tiki Timebomb recalls the last game, which had everyone on the edges of their seats. “It was mid-season last year. We won (135-97), and no one was more surprised than us. That was the FPC's second or third home win ever, and to have defeated the three-time league champions…there weren't words - just shock and awe.” Following that exciting twist in their season, the Pussycats ended up closing the 2011 season as undefeated champions, taking the well-deserved Mercury Shield from the long-reigning Bad Reps.
Tiki TimeBomb
Diva La Revolution, Bad Reps team captain, says things have changed for her team since last season. “Our team this year has more focus and positive culture than last year. We had some injuries, changes in leadership, and generally hard times on the team last year, which really impacted our game. This year, our team is tighter as a group, positive, ready to work, and supportive of each other and that has translated well on the track.”
As a long time member of the league, Tiki has some insight in terms of what to watch out for this time around. “The Bad Reps are known for harder hits, while the Pussycats are known for endurance and speed. Both are known for tight pack work. This will definitely be a battle to see who can remain on her skates.”
Despite the teams’ different styles of play, Diva is confident the Bad Reps will have the edge. “I believe we are well equipped to handle anything the opponents throw at us. I feel our strategies will be effective in giving us the upper hand. It will likely be a close game, but I think we'll still come out on top.”
Having been a member of various teams around the Lower Mainland throughout her derby career, Tiki is not one to ignore the strengths and abilities of her many opponents. She respects many other skaters, and believes the Bad Reps’ Rumble Stiltskin will be one to keep an eye on this Saturday. “Seriously, is there any position she can't play? She's a smart blocker and a strong jammer. And when you think you've got her covered, she steps over you.”
Rumble Stiltskin
Tiki is confident however, that the Pussycats have what it takes to compete with the experienced Bad Reps squad on the track. “Every practice, I count my lucky stars for our new members. Based on crowd feedback, you won't want to take your eyes off triple-threat Venom S Kiss (a great blocker, pivot and jammer), the sweet hockey-inspired moves of NazDroveya Wylde, and the evasive scoring machine that is Evada Perón.”
Venom S Kiss
Diva and the rest of her teammates in teal will be keeping close tabs on all of the Pussycats, but there is one ‘Cat in particular she’s looking forward to sharing a track with: “I admire Schwarzemegger because she has learned and improved very quickly and has such a positive attitude. She's already someone whose skills you can't take lightly on the track, and she's still a brand new rookie. I think she'll only continue to excel and improve as the season continues, and be a pain in the ass to play against.”
In terms of Bad Reps who are going to make a difference on Saturday, Diva also likes the look of the new breed. “All our rookies are awesome! They work very well with each other and our vets to form solid lines on the track.”
Tiki, along with the rest of the league, is excited to see that “the teams are so much more evenly matched this year than they were last year. It makes for better roller derby, both on the track and for the fans. Every bout we've had this season has been within 30 points. One more jam could have changed the outcome, and that's super exciting.”
If you're new to roller derby, here are a few handy links to get you up to speed.
The basics: Flat Track Roller Derby Rules
A little deeper: How do I watch a roller derby bout?
Got an iPhone and want to take it with you? Download the app!
(Fans should know that this is one of TCRG’s small-production events, so they’re basically just flicking on the fluorescents and playing some straight up, down-home roller derby. The next big-production bout is the May 5 double-header, which will have the DJ, half-time show, burgers, prize draws, vendors and all of the other bells and whistles that Vancouverites love. But don’t worry, there will be beer sales on Saturday.)
Event Info
Faster Pussycats vs. Bad Reputations
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Minoru Arena, 7551 Minoru Gate, Richmond BC (Right on the Canada Line!)
Doors open at 5:00pm, first whistle blows at 6:00pm
Tickets available at the door for a $10 donation (So cheap!)
