The Brick House Betties roller derby team enjoyed their best season yet this year, with a 4-2 result. Two home games were held at the Comox Valley Sports Centre on April 18 and May 9. The team travelled to Chilliwack, Squamish, and a tourney in Richmond to play the rest.
April 18: Brick House Betties vs. Rink Minx Roller Girls (of Campbell River) 138-217
May 9: BHB vsv Black Diamond Betties (of Whistler) 196-153
May 16: BHB at NWO Rollergirls (Chilliwack) 160-205
June 13: BHB vs Pistoleras (of Penticton) at Summer Slam Tournament 159-127
June 13: BHB vs. The Wreckers (of Kamloops) at Summer Slam Tournament 198-120
June 27: BHB at Sea to Sky Sirens (Squamish) 212 - 108
The Betties continued to concentrate on teamwork and strategy this year. Roller derby is a complex game and a key goal for the Betties’ season was to switch more quickly between playing offence and defence. Twice-weekly practices from September to June, winter scrimmages, and training camps contributed to the team’s success.
“We have worked hard for the past four years to build up a team and improve our skating and strategy,” said team co-captain, Ruby Whipper. “Our team’s primary objectives are to have fun and support each other. Winning is icing on our cake.”
The Betties’ season began with a doubleheader at the CVSC on April 18. The Stone Cold Stellas, a local junior team (skaters ages 12-17) coached by Betties Wright Krazy and Icesis, took on Nanaimo’s junior team, the Candy Crushers in a rematch from last season. Despite a 397-175 loss, the Stellas were pleased with their game. The event also featured a children’s bouncy-castle and Gladstone Brewing refreshments.
The Betties played the headliner against local rivals, the Rink Minx Rollergirls. It had been two years since the two teams faced off and the Minx won the much-anticipated match-up. On May 9, the Betties hosted Whistler’s Black Diamond Betties at the CVSC in a spirited “Battle of the Betties.” The team has also enjoyed participating in recent community events, such as the Motorcycle Ride for Dad and local parades.
The Brick House Betties and the Stone Cold Stellas thank their generous sponsors: The Eagle 97.3, Addictive Sportswear, Bayview Chiropractic, RollerGirl.ca, SURE Copy Courtenay, Thermotech Mechanical, and Walmart (Courtenay).
Community supporters deserve appreciation: Artform Photographics, Bonner Photography, Comox Valley Sports Centre, Cumberland Recreation Institute, Daryl Robbins CGA, Geoff Greenall Financial Advisor, Gladstone Brewing Company, Quality Foods, Re Bastion Photography, St John Ambulance, Takahashi Design, Val Wright Realtor, Victor Anasimiv, and WJL Enterprises.
The Betties also thank the referees and non-skating officials of the Coastal Call Monitors, teams that travelled, and the fans who like watching roller derby and seeing the Betties “dish out the hits '70s style.”
“We played our best season yet against amazing opponents,” said Manic Attack, a Bettie and member of the coaching committee. “What stands out is the positivity our team brings, on and off the track. We always find a way to lift each other up to personal bests and have fun.”
The Brick House Betties’ 2015 roller derby season is over, but the team will skate at the Courtenay Airpark and the Campbell River Seawalk in the summer.
Want to try roller derby? The Brick House Betties invite you to try a practice at the CRI (2665 Dunsmuir, Cumberland), starting in September. Bring a positive attitude, learn to roller skate, and join the dynamic sport. Need to borrow quad skates or safety gear? Contact the Betties in September. Join the Brick House Betties on Facebook, or email: info@brickhousebetties.com
– Brick House Betties