The Brick House Betties roller derby team’s 2014 season is done, but their skaters will still be seen out for a fun roll at the Courtenay Airpark or the Campbell River Seawalk this summer.
With two of their five games hosted at the Comox Valley Sports Centre, the Betties had a busy and successful season, resulting in a 1-4 record:
May 10: Stone Cold Stellas vs. Candy Crushers (Juniors) 203-447
Brick House Betties vs. BKDD (of Nanaimo) 217-220
May 31: BHB at Black Diamond Betties (Whistler) 206-175
June 7: BHB vs. Belles of the Brawl (Victoria): 165-201
June 21: BHB at Harbour City Rollers (Nanaimo) 159-188
June 28: BHB at Margarita Villains (Victoria) 142-230
In its three years, the team has worked to increase its number of skaters and was pleased to field a full Betties roster for four of its five games this season, including both home events. Skaters for the Brick House Betties come from Campbell River, Nanaimo, across the Comox Valley, and one from Victoria.
The team’s mandate is to focus on positivity and teamwork. This season, the Betties concentrated on strategies involving stronger defensive walls and patient jamming. As well as twice-weekly practices from September through to bouting season, the Betties hosted learning scrimmages during the winter and its skaters travelled to training camps.
The team’s first three games of this season, including both home events, were closely matched and exciting with many lead changes. Betties’ skaters voted as MVPs at these games were Mighty Mouse, Beaver Canoe, and Ruby Whipper. Spectators enjoyed fast-paced, strategic play and close scores. In roller derby, quick jammers with strong defence can make up 30 points in just a few minutes. Point differences in the Betties’ games ranged from 88 to just three points.
The Betties’ season began with a family-oriented doubleheader on May 10. Game one debuted the Betties’ junior team, the Stone Cold Stellas, made up of skaters ages 12-18 and coached by Betties Wright Krazy and Icesis. The Stellas took on Nanaimo’s more experienced junior team, the Candy Crushers.
Undeterred by a 447-203 loss, the Stellas were pleased about staying positive and scoring the points they did. A bouncy-castle, face painting, and halftime performances by Queneesh School’s QUEST drumline added to the event. In game two, the Betties played aggressively against Nanaimo’s Brass Knuckle Derby Dames, but lost 217-220 in a nail-biting final.
The Brick House Betties travelled to Whistler May 31, hosted by the Black Diamond Betties. Our local Betties came home thrilled with a hard-fought 206-175 win.
In the second doubleheader hosted at home this season, the Betties featured a 19+ event. The Brass Knuckle Derby Dames returned to play The Loganettes, a team of pick-up skaters from Victoria’s Eves of Destruction League. Sweet Tease Burlesque treated spectators to half time teasers and a post-game performance. In game two, the Betties played against Victoria’s Belles of the Brawl. It was a fierce game with strong plays by both teams, but the Belles won 201-165.
Betties rookies were the focus of an away game June 21 in Nanaimo against the Harbour City Rollers. With just a few veteran skaters allowed on the track to lead, rookies showed how much they have progressed since joining the team last year. “The rookies really stepped up to the plate,” said Betties’ Fresh Meat co-coach Kateful Threat. In a close game, HCR defeated the Betties 188-159.
For their season’s final game, the Betties travelled to Victoria to play the Margarita Villains, a more experienced and hard-hitting Eves League team. “We took it hard in the first period, but stayed positive and strong,” said Betties’ veteran Beaver Canoe. “Our senior skaters were unwavering and fearless on the track. We forced several foul outs, only losing the second half by about 10 points. What a great experience to bring to the next season!”
The Villains won 230-142, but Betties’ head coach Lee Curtis agreed the Betties won the game’s second half. “We kept smiling and kept adapting.”
Even with a demanding five games in two months, Betties also took part in community events this spring. Both Betties and Stellas skaters joined Cumberland’s May Day Parade and Courtenay’s Canada Day Parade, and Betties directed traffic at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad in June. The Betties return to practice in September to prepare for another competitive season in 2015.
The Brick House Betties thank their generous sponsors: The Eagle 97.3, Addictive Sportswear, Bayview Chiropractic, RollerGirl, and Sure Copy Courtenay. Many community supporters deserve appreciation: Victor Anasimiv, Artform Photographics, Bonner Photography, Bounce-A-Rama Rentals, Broken Spoke, Comox Valley Sports Centre, Cumberland Recreation Institute, KidStart Mentoring, Moba Design, Quality Foods Courtenay, St. John Ambulance, Takahashi Design, and Tsk Tsk Revue. The Betties also thank the referees and non-skating officials of the Coastal Call Monitors, the teams who travelled to the Comox Valley to play, and the fans who enjoy watching roller derby and seeing the Betties “dish out the hits '70s style.”
Interested in trying roller derby? The Brick House Betties invite you to Fresh Meat recruitment Sunday, Sept. 28, from 9-10:30 a.m. at the CRI (2665 Dunsmuir, Cumberland).
Learn to roller skate and join the fastest-growing, most fun sport on the Island. Bring quad skates, a water bottle, safety gear (helmet, mouth guard, elbow/wrist/knee pads), and a positive attitude! Wear sports-comfortable clothing and bring a $4.20 drop-in fee for the CRI. Need gear or can't make the date? Contact the Betties on Facebook, or email ahead: info@brickhousebetties.com.
– Brick House Betties