MRDA’s March 2013 Featured Skater of the Month: Ace of Skates of the New York Shock Exchange

March 7, 2013

Interview by Malcolm Sex

 

What is your derby name? What’s the history behind it?

My derby name, Ace of Skates, is a play off of the Mötörhead song “Ace of Spades.” I assure you it has nothing to do with the 1990s band Ace of Base or the TV show Ace of Cakes! This year however, I will be skating under my real name.  As much fun as derby names are, I was never really diehard about it. And, after having played competitive sports my entire life under my real name, I figured I owed it to myself to skate under my real name starting this season.

 

What number do you wear? Why did you choose it?

I chose my current number as an homage to one of my all-time favorite music genres and record labels. Originally my number was 2-Tone, in reference to the influential ska record label out of the UK in the early 1980s. But, over time due to various rules changes and the cost of practice jerseys, I decided to stick with only 2.

 

What is your preferred position on the track?

On the track, I am primarily a defensive blocker, and I believe it’s the best position in the sport.  Day in and day out, it’s my job to make jammers’ lives as difficult as I possibly can.  I love working with my teammates to completely shut down an opposing teams offense, and I enjoy when we can get the opposing jammer to abandon trying to score and switch over to playing defense.  That’s pretty much an ideal jam.

 

Other than the New York Shock Exchange travel team, do you play, referee or coach for other teams?

I am currently in my second season managing the Wall $t Traitors. They are the B team for Gotham Girls Roller Derby.  Managing the Traitors has been a wonderful experience. It has really shown me a lot about what it takes to be a successful team on and off the track.

 

What’s your pre-derby athletic background? How has it influenced your skating style?

My skating style is heavily influenced by my ice hockey background. Having played goaltender, I spent large parts of my youth trying to do whatever I could to develop my lateral movement, agility, and balance to be as quick and efficient as possible when moving around the goal crease to get in the optimal position to make a save.  I feel that these skills have helped me on the track tremendously in all aspects of roller derby. Despite my experience, I still find there’s tons of room for me to improve and grow as a skater.

 

If you needed to take one other skater in all of MRDA onto the track in a key moment of a bout, who would it be?

One of the most amazing things about the Shock Exchange is how everyone seems to be able to step up during critical moments. The team has a way to just make it work. It might not always be pretty, but no matter who is out there, we have built a level of trust that helps us achieve success whoever is on the track.

MRDA has a history of great rivalries. The Shock Exchange is part of several. What is your favorite MRDA rivalry?

Without a doubt, St. Louis! Every time we play the Gatekeepers, it reminds me exactly why I play roller derby. They are one of the most talented, put-together organizations out there. When we play those guys, we both always step it up to a new level with some new skill or strategy developing as a result of our bouts against each other. A NYSE/St. Louis bout is really an exciting thing to be a part of!

 

If you were forced to play for another team in MRDA, who would you play for?

I have thought about what would happen if I had to move for work or some other reason, and it’s an easy decision. I could not skate for anyone but NYSE. They are my extended family. I have our team logo tattooed on my skin. Those guys are my brothers. I had to try on another MRDA team’s jersey when we were getting sized for new uniforms, and I cannot tell you how uncomfortable it felt not having NYSE across my chest.

 

In 2013, do you expect any relatively unknown teams to take MRDA by storm?

I am really excited to see what develops from the international teams this season. With Canada and the UK in the mix, I’m sure we are going to see a lot of new skills and strategies. It reminds me of when the NHL began having an influx of European skaters in the early ‘90s. Up to this point, the sport contained only American and Canadian skaters, and it was always played a certain way. Suddenly, skaters from other countries entered the NHL and brought with them an entirely new skill set and attitude towards how the game should be played, which in turn revolutionized almost every aspect of the game.  I see the addition of international men’s teams as a great opportunity for yet another evolution of our continuously evolving sport.

 

The Shock Exchange ruled the Men’s Derby Coalition (the precursor to MRDA). And now, unlike any of the other original four teams, the NYSE remains among the most competitive teams in MRDA. This is all despite losing some of their biggest names after Championships in 2011. How has the Shock Exchange managed to stay relevant?

We have never been known as the team with the most talented jam skaters. We don’t have any speed skating medals hanging up on the wall, but we have always relied on our teamwork and knowledge of the game to set us apart and keep us on top. We have never been a team with one star who carries us on their shoulders all season. We are a group of skaters who are able to work together and take great pride in our ability to play as a team.

 

The NYSE is the elder statesman atop MRDA, and currently, some relatively young teams are making waves in the world of men’s derby. Do you think the age of the Shock Exchange, and the fact that it’s so well established, helps (or hurts) the league?

NYSE has benefited greatly from having veterans with 6+ years experience in our ranks. Those experienced skaters are the ones molding our new skaters, who will inherit the team and be tasked with leading it someday. Who better to learn from than a teammate with over 20 career wins and multiple championships on his résumé?

What’s your fondest memory of the 2012 MRDA season?

My favorite memory of the 2012 season has to be our come-from-behind victory over Magic City to capture 3rd Place at Championships. The bout seemed to start in fast-forward: everything was happening so quickly. Before we knew it, we were facing a 50+-point deficit. In true NYSE fashion, we dug deep as a team, worked through injuries, and chipped away at the Misfits lead until we took control and finished the bout with the final score in our favor. It really felt like the team earned the win, and I can assure you that my bronze “Gateway to the Best” medal is one of my most cherished possessions.

 

What should we expect to see from Ace of Skates and the Shock Exchange in 2013?

You’re just going to have to wait and see!

 

You are a standout among the skaters who have encountered your play, but in the world of MRDA, you’ve generally flown under the radar. I’m sure playing with Jonathan R and Abe Drinkin’ helps keep the spotlight away. Do you like your role on the team?

One of the nice things about skating with so many great players is that I am left alone by other teams to do my thing while they concentrate on more of our big-name skaters. I really enjoy being able to cause problems for our opponents while they focus their manpower on some of NYSEs more notable names. That said, as I mentioned before, with NYSE, teamwork reigns.

 

What kind of skate setup do you wear? Are there any specific gear or sponsors you want to plug? 

Currently, I am a member of Radar Labs. We are a group of skaters selected by Radar Wheels to help evaluate, test, and develop new products for our sport. Radar Labs excites me a lot. I see the potential to develop the next big evolution in derby equipment as a result of our hard work. I also spend many of my weekends working at Five Stride Skate Shop in Brooklyn, NY. There really is no better way to learn about new gear and find the perfect set up than by learning from shop owners Gotham’s OMG WTF and Bonnie Thunders.  As far as my current skates, I currently use the following:

 

Boots: Atom Q-6 and Antik AR-1’s

Plates: Labeda Pro-Lines

Wheels: Atom Juke 2.0/Radar Bullets

Bearings: Bones Super 6 Swiss

Toe Stops: Gumballs

MRDA’s February Featured Skater of the Month: Magnum, p.i.m.p.

Interview by Malcolm Sex

 

What is your derby name? What’s the history behind it?

Magnum, p.i.m.p. – It is a mash up of Magnum, p.i. and 50 Cent’s song “P.I.M.P.”  Everyone just calls me Magnum, though.

What number do you wear? Why did you choose it?

L7 – My derby name is on the arrogant side. I wanted to balance it out with L7, since it means you are a square.  I also really like ambigrams, and if you have the right font, L7 can be spun 180 degrees and look exactly the same.

What is your preferred position on the track?

Last year, I jammed the majority of the time but I really prefer blocking.  I like organizing my blockers and adjusting to the fast, changing dynamics of the pack.  Being at the giving end of a hit is better than being at the receiving end, as well.

There is a really funny part of the movie I’m Still Here with Joaquin Phoenix where he is trying to rap but is struggling and simply says to the audience, “This is hard.”  Just like rap, people who are good at jamming make it look easy, but it is still hard.  It’s an inside joke we say sometimes when we have a rough jam, simply… “This is hard.”

What’s your pre-derby athletic background?

I grew up playing any sport I could get my hands on.  Like many of us in derby, I grew up in the rollerblade generation.  They came out when I was in grade school.  My friends and I were on them constantly.  I played a lot of roller hockey and a year of ice hockey in high school, but my main sport was lacrosse.  I won two state championships playing lacrosse in high school then went on to captain/coach the club lacrosse team at the University of Dayton.  The mix between the skating skills of hockey and the body positioning and physicality of lacrosse really helped shape my skating and coaching techniques of today.

As I understand it, you are an original member of the GateKeepers.  How did you get involved in roller derby?  Give me a brief summary of your derby career: from the time you first discovered it to your current team and league position.

I first got involved in roller derby in 2006 when the Arch Rival Roller Girls were forming their team.  I started as a referee, became the Head Referee, and then moved into coaching their travel team.  In 2009, Bat Wing and I started the GateKeepers.  I have been President of the league and Coach of the travel team since the league’s inception.  From 2011-2012, I was Vice President of the Men’s Roller Derby Association.

I am easing my load for 2013, however.  I am more active in running my family’s business lately, so I stepped down from coaching ARRG, my Board position with MRDA, and being President of the GateKeepers.  I will continue to coach the ‘Keepers in 2013 along with being VP of the league.

Since the Gatekeepers’ win against the New York Shock Exchange at Spring Roll in 2011, we’re all aware that you play on the ‘Keepers’ A team.  Do you play for any other teams inside or outside of the league?

My local team is the Dogtown Red Rockets.  I have had a lot of fun playing with exhibition teams throughout the years, too.  I played for Team seXY (men’s), captained a bout with Team Hate Machine (coed), and played for Atom Wheels (my sponsor’s coed team).  Most recently, I joined Team Xtreme (coed) and am excited about the talent level assembled on that team.  Looking to the future, I am geeking out hard about playing in the Derby Ink Invitational; a banked-track tournament that will be on pay per view and have cash payouts.  I’m skating with the Derby Merc’s, and the names on this team are jaw dropping.
How would you describe your skating style?

I skate with high intensity and am physical.  I don’t like blockers to be comfortable when I am jamming, so I keep the pace fast and am physical so I can open up holes.

Other than being one of the Gatekeepers’ top jammers, what would you say are your greatest strengths as a skater?

I take pride in my awareness of what is going on at all times during a jam and recognizing the next best play as well as being able to skate through contact.

What is your proudest accomplishment in roller derby and why?

Having the GateKeepers ranked #1 in the first official MRDA rankings was a great accomplishment.  It took a lot of work and hard fought bouts to have the other leagues consider us the best team.

Up until recently, you worked for the MRDA.  What did you do? What do you believe MRDA will have to do to maintain its position on the cutting-edge of flat track roller derby?

I was Vice President of the Men’s Roller Derby Association.  I believe the MRDA needs to continue its strong growth pattern by helping developing leagues.  I also believe that the MRDA needs to take a more active role in regulating ringers and satellite players.  It is very concerning to me when MRDA teams build their roster like an exhibition team.

Which one of your teammates do you look up to most, and why?

I have endless respect for Percy Controll.  He did not have a strong skating or athletic background prior to derby but turned himself into a nationally elite player winning DNN’s blocker of the year in 2012.  He pours his heart and soul into the GateKeepers.  As captains of the travel team, we work great together, and with Percy as our current league President, I know we are in good hands moving forward.

MRDA has a history of great rivalries.  The GateKeepers are an important element in several just in the past two years.  What is your favorite MRDA rivalry, and why?

I love to play the New York Shock Exchange.  They develop their talent from within and have great teamwork.  We are truly tested every time we play them.  They are a solid bunch of guys, too.  There can’t be enough praise for a team with strong character.

If you were forced to play for another team in MRDA, but you could choose any one, what team would you play for and why?

Great question!  That’s a hard one.  I would have to say the Magic City Misfits.  I have known a lot of those guys for a while now and like playing with and against them.  They have some players that are extremely dynamic skaters and fun to watch.

Looking forward to the 2013 season, do you expect any relatively unknown teams to take MRDA by storm and drastically improve on last year’s performance?

They are hardly unknown now after their 2012 MRDA Championship tournament performance, but the Mass Maelstrom are opening a lot of eyes.  They remind me a lot of the GateKeepers.  I also think the Race City Rebels are positioned to have a strong showing in 2013 as well.

Who was it that thought up the GateKeepers’ beard thing? How can I get one of those awesome beardanas?

Somehow we ended up with a bunch of dudes who dig beards.  We have an award at the end of the year for the best beard, and when someone is growing a strong one, it gets commented on.  We feel each beard has its own aura, and sometimes a beard will go bad, and you’ll need to start fresh… like if you have a run of bad luck, we’ll say the beard has turned.  We do the beardanas for special events like Spring Roll.  I am sure we can get you one.

What is your best memory of the 2012 MRDA season?

Hosting the MRDA Championships was amazing!  Playing in the Championship bout in front of our home fans was something I’ll always cherish.  The energy was off the charts. The venue was packed, and playing for a Championship is why we train so hard.  Weekends like that truly make all the work and sacrifice worth it.

I don’t want to pour salt in a wound, but given the fact that it’s been months since Championships, how do you feel about the final bout?

Looking at the final bout is all about perspective.  In the grand scheme of things, it was the second best thing that could have happened.  We made it to the Championship bout, were leading the majority of the game, but caught some tough breaks at the end to lose by one.  It was a great game… everyone enjoyed it.  Our team is as hungry as ever to win it this year.  In 2011, we finished 4^th, learned some lessons, came back, and finish 2^nd in 2012.  We learned even more in 2012, so 2013 is looking good.  Plus, we appreciate being an elite team.  It would be very short sighted to be bitter about losing when, as a team, we are in such a fortunate spot.

Does the fact you came so close to winning make you prepare or motivate you differently for the 2013 season?

We know we can play with any team.  It really puts the focus on us to continue to develop and improve as a team.  Considering how close the game was, it is all about who can work harder and smarter until the next year.  That’s why the ringer issue is such a problem, it takes the focus off of internal development, and the team’s improvement comes from an outside source.

Have you taken a step back or a break from derby at any point since Championships?

I take a month off of skating every year after championships.  It is a great time to heal and take care of personal projects that have been neglected.  This is also a great time to get in better shape because practice doesn’t get in the way of going to the gym.

What should we expect to see from Magnum, p.i.m.p. and the GateKeepers in 2013?

People should expect to see a team that works hard and plays well together.  We have some great new talent coming up from within the organization that should make an impact on the 2013 season.  We had very little turnover from last year and our charter is deep.  2013 should be a good year for St. Louis men’s derby.

You have a reputation as one of the great leaders in men’s derby.  Do you have any advice to give those trying to lead newer MRDA teams up in the rankings?

Newer team leaders need to focus on developing the talent in their league.  Invest in their skaters as much as they invest in themselves.  Take pride in a teammate beating you at practice.  Encourage players on a different local team than you.  If you see something that will make a leaguemate better, tell them to their face the second the jam is over.  Encourage selfless play and skaters without egos.  When you have a team full of skaters that care more about the name of the front of the jersey than the name on the back, you can go anywhere.  We were in a tight game a while back and had some people in the box and asked DXL to sit out a jam. With a smile on his face, he said, “I’ll win this one from the bench. No problem.”  Great attitudes like this breed greatness in teams.
As the founder of a league, do you have any special advice to someone trying to start a league in their town?

It is more work than you can image but even more rewarding.  Roller derby, as a sport, rewards hard work.  Great players are made through long hours and dedication: leagues are no different.  Get a name, a logo, and spread the word!  Get skaters, a practice time, and don’t look back.  And above all else, set the example of what you want your league to be.  Be welcoming, encouraging, positive, excited and determined.

What kind of skate setup do you wear? Is there any specific gear that you want to plug?

I am sponsored by Atom Wheels and couldn’t be luckier.  Their wheels are the best in the industry.  I skate on Juke Alloys.  I love the push and responsiveness of alloys.  Nylon hubs are too soft: responsiveness is lost, and they are more work.  I have been on Luigino’s boots and plates for about a month now and starting to get a real feel for them.  I have never had a boot that enveloped my whole foot like this before.  Atom is a great company, and Julie Glass really cares about the people she involves in her team.  I am very fortunate to be with Atom.

Finally, is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you want to talk about?

I’m very lucky to have the support of my wife Downtown Dallis in the sport of roller derby.  She bench coaches our travel team and my local team.  She is a demon on the track and a sweetheart in life.  Having someone supportive of the time and energy it takes to play derby should not be taken for granted.  I’m a lucky guy, indeed.