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North American Qualifiers: Toronto Men’s Roller Derby

 

By: Bryan Mcwilliam aka Killman

During the weekend of Aug 4-5 the North American Qualifier of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) will take place in Fitchburg, MA to help determine the competitors in the organization’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR from Oct 12-14.

The event, which is set to take place at the Wallace Civic Center on the grounds of Fitchburg State University, will be hosted by MRDA member and playoff contender, the Mass Maelstrom.

Eight teams will vie for a championship bid.

Leading into the event the MRDA will take an inside look at some of the attending teams to learn more about members from its squad.

Today, we speak with skaters Arnold Bacon & Egger and Señor Wiener of Toronto Men’s Roller Derby, the No. 7 seed at the NAQ qualifier.

Bacon & Egger, a blocker and pivot with TMRD skates under No. 132. He’s been playing derby for 5 years, all with Toronto.
Wiener, a jammer, has been with Toronto since 2012 and has also spent his entire derby skating career with them.

Killman: Are you excited about playoffs? Tell me what being at playoffs means to you?

Arnold Bacon&Egger: I’m very excited about playoffs. Playoffs to me mean my team and I have made steady improvements in our game. It also means I get to hang out with great people. The derby community is full of strangers that become friends so amazingly fast.

Wiener: I get to see so many skaters I’ve had the pleasure of seeing at events over the years. I’m also looking forward to meeting more new derby friends. It means a lot to have made playoffs this year. Our training committee had this set as a goal for the team and I’m happy to have achieved it and our team’s highest rankings placement so far.

K: What would it mean for you to come out of this event as a qualifying team for champs?

B&E: It would be a surprise. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to qualify for champs, but we are building ourselves up over time. I’m just happy to get to this level. If we qualify for champs it’ll mean further adventure and some new friends.

W: It would be a bit of a Cinderella story and I’m a sucker for those.

K: Is there anyone you look up to on your team or in the sport of roller derby?

B&E: I look up to everyone on my team. They all constantly amaze me with their ability to put up with me. If I had to pick one on my team though, I’d have to say Señor Wiener. He’s just a positive guy and an amazing jammer. Outside of my team, I admire Scald Eagle and Sexy Sladie. They’re my favorites to watch in the WFTDA. My favorite junior turned senior is Loren Mutch.

W: I look up to anyone who dedicates time, effort and energy into this sport. There is passion everywhere and it’s not always paired with the biggest names.

K: If you could be one Marvel superhero, who would it be and why?

B&E: Well, my favorite from comics was Magneto in ‘Marvel Zombies’ trades, but if we’re talking about Marvel movies than I pick Black Panther as he seems to have it all.

W: Gambit, because he’s the coolest.

K: If you were asked to travel back in time and play in Rollerjam, would you? If yes, what would be the attraction?

B&E: Umm yes! I would make some variation on a chess boxing theme. It’d be roller derby then immediately go to the team having to go head-to-head game show quiz style, then immediately back to next jam.

W: Probably not, it was fun to watch as a kid though.

K: Do you have a favorite dad joke?

B&E: Too many to pick one. They come way too natural to me.

W: This duct tape just isn’t quacking it.

K: Provide me an inspirational quote that you live by.

B&E: “Dude, suckin’ at something is the first step to being sorta good at something.” -Jake the Dog, Adventure Time

W: “Oak trees grow strong with contrary winds and diamonds are formed under pressure.”

K: Tell me anything else that’s on your mind if you have more to say.

B&E: I can’t wait to get out to Fitchberg! They seem to love giant donuts and tiny airline-sized alcohol. I can respect that.

 

For event information, head over to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/2105455163045551/

2018 MRDA European Qualifiers Announcers

 

The teams are set, the officials are in place and we can’t wait a second longer to declare the dream team who will form the MEQ 2018 announcers line up. This stellar collective bring a wealth of well-informed experience to the European game, as well as their own unique brand of quick witted charm…

Battered Sausage

Not just your chip shop guilty pleasure, but a roller derby talking force wrapped in neon and sparkles!

Bromfield (Credit: Roller Derby on Film)

Talking the Queen’s English since 2014, BBC Brom is the son you wished you had, in a smart suit and sunnies.

Golden Snatch (Credit: Battered Sausage)

Coming across the sound waves loud and queer since 2016, Snatch is also a secondary school teacher- which means she is well trained in the art of not swearing in front of crowds!

Holly

Wig wearer, selfie taker, polymath, afterparty winner, mic dropper.

Roller Polar Bear (Credit: Caroline Waddell)

Not only the creator of the world’s biggest meme collection, but, also one of the first voices you heard announcing roller derby on the BBC. Yes, your taxes paid for this dude.

Snoogins (Credit: Nottingham Roller Girls)

Mother of Announcers, First of Her Name.

Stat Man (credit: Len Rizzo)

Started announcing games in 2008. Started using a microphone in 2009.

Verry Cherry (Credit: Laura Jackman)

Wit as dry as a gin martini, and as sharp as the lime in your margarita.

This two day MRDA tournament, hosted by New Wheeled Order, runs August 18th – 19th at the North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax, UK. The teams are competing to earn a place at the 2018 MRDA Championship hosted by Bridgetown Roller Derby in Salem, Oregon, USA on October 12th-14th.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/795458060644171/

2018 North American Qualifiers Announcers

 

The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is proud to present the announcers for the 2018 North American qualifiers hosted by Mass Maelstrom on August 4-5 at the Wallace Civic Centre in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

These voices of roller derby will grace the mic and call bouts between eight MRDA teams vying to earn the right to participate at the 2018 MRDA Championship hosted by Bridgetown Roller Derby in Salem, Oregon on October 12-14.

Bobby Narco – Head announcer for Gotham Girls Roller Derby and the Hudson Valley Horrors – has announced at all three World Cups this year (Women’s in Manchester in February, Men’s in Barcelona in April, and Junior’s in Feasterville in July), and is thrilled to be announcing his first-ever MRDA Playoffs this coming August.

Bobby Narco

Bootiful Banshee – Amassing a talented crew of amplified articulators, it’s Bootiful Banshee. The force is strong (and loud) with this one!

Bootiful Banshee

Chloroform Cupcake – Cranking it up to an eleven one mic at a time.

Chloroform Cupcake

Crimson Al-Khemia – Hailing from the Valley of Kings in the haunted dunes of Egypt, the Pharaoh of Fantabulous … Crimson Al-Khemia!

Crimson Al Khemia

Julia Sleazer– All cats; no birds.

Julia Sleazer

Merry Khaos – Her name is well earned.

Merry Khaos

Oso Blanco Fabuloso – He rocks a mic AND a ukelele. It’s Oso Blanco Fabuloso!

Oso Blanco Fabuloso

Rippi Longstocking – Rippi Longstocking hails from the sultry South but likes humor as dry as desert sand.  Pet monkey not included (yet).

Rippi Longstocking[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MRDA Announces 2018 NAQ Officials

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the officials for the 2018 North American Qualifier. The action begins August 4th-5th in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, hosted by Mass Maelstrom. Thanks to everyone who applied to support this event and to all officials who donate their time to help this sport be what it is.

For tickets and more information about the event, check out the event page below.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2105455163045551/

Crew Heads:

Chiro-fracture
geoknitter
Jeff
Pol E Dangerous
Sugar Daddy
Robin U Blind

Officials:

Allyn Ur Grill
Babelfishy
Big Panda
Blackheart
Brattysoreass Wrecks
capt cupcake
Commie
Decrypt Keeper
Doesn’t Matt-er
Down N Jersey
Fatal Exception
FloBlock
Frau Blücher
Goldie Gloves
Harleyquinn Davidson
Headless Horsman
India Pale Al
Jak
Kinky Linky
Leith Fremlin
Lobo-Cop
Lord Lexalt
mAlice
mcninja
Molotov Latte
Pamda Bear
Peeka
Pete in the Pool
PK Biddy
Pushup Zebra
Ref Sin Style
Ria Culpa
Scooby Drew
Slamorous
Sprawkett
Stabby McNeedles
The Administrator
Thistle B. Painful
Tim the Ref
TumbleTina
Verbal Assault
Veronica Scars
Walker Hamilton
W.E.B. Du Stroys
WifeOpathic Signals
Wreckordian
Xtra ChrisP
Zoonotic

MRDA 2018 Summer Rankings

Without further ado, the Men’s Roller Derby Association is pleased to announce the Summer rankings for the 2018 season. The MRDA rankings committee calculated these based on games played June 2017 through to June 2018 and they have been voted on by member leagues.


1 St. Louis Gatekeepers
2 Bridgetown Roller Derby
3 Southern Discomfort (+1)
4 Roller Derby Toulouse (+1)
5 Manchester Roller Derby (+1)
6 Vancouver Murder (+3)
7 Texas Men’s Roller Derby (NPR)
8 Magic City Misfits (+2)
9 Philadelphia Hooligans (+2)
10 New York Shock Exchange (-3)
11 Denver Ground Control (+7)
12 Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder
13 Tyne and Fear Roller Derby
14 San Diego Aftershocks (-11)
15 Puget Sound Outcast Derby (-7)
16 Austin Anarchy (-2)
17 Mohawk Valley Roller Derby (NPR)
18 Race City Rebels (-1)
19 Toronto Men’s Roller Derby (+2)
20 Barrow Infernos (NPR)
21 Mass Maelstrom (-5)
22 Montreal Men’s Roller Derby
23 Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby
24 Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby (-9)
25 Lane County Concussion (+9)
26 Drive-By City Rollers (+2)
27 Sydney City SMASH (+2)
28 Panam Squad (+4)
29 Chicago Bruise Brothers (+9)
30 Wisconsin Men’s Roller Derby (-6)
31 Carolina Wreckingballs (+2)
32 Glenmore Reservoir Dogs (+3)
33 Atlanta Men’s Roller Derby (+4)
34 Houston Men’s Roller Derby (NPR)
35 Collision Men’s Derby (+4)
36 Nottingham Roller Derby (+4)
37 South Wales Silures (NPR)
38 Wheels of Mayhem (-7)
39 Dakota Men’s Roller Derby (-14)
40 Casco Bay Roller Derby (+1)
41 Harm City Men’s Derby (+1)
42 Detroit Men’s Roller Derby (+1)
43 Pittsburgh Blue Streaks (+3)
44 Flour City Fear Men’s Roller Derby
45 Capital City Hooligans
46 Crash Test Brummies (NPR)
47 Cleveland Men’s Roller Derby

Not Eligible for Ranking This Period
Brisbane City Rollers – 0
Capital City Derby Doods – 3
Cincinnati Battering Rams – 3
Derby Club le Crès Lattes Montpellier – 2
Granite City Brawlers – 3
Manneken Beasts – 3
Men’s Roller Derby Japan – 0
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby – 0
Sioux City Korn Stalkers – 1
Thunderquads Roller Derby Masculino – 2
Varsity Derby League – 2
Victoria Men’s Roller Derby – 0
West Swedish Roller Derby Society – 4
Wirral Roller Derby – 2
Your Mom Men’s Derby – 3

Hiatus
Capital District Trauma Authority
Connecticut Death Quads
East Anglo Smacksons
Milton-Keynes Roller Derby
New Orleans Brass Roller Derby
Tampa Bay Men’s Roller Derby
Tampere Rollin’ Bros
The Inhuman League
The Skaters Grim
Vermont Men’s Roller Derby

 

MRDA Announces Officials for MRDA European Qualifier

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to present the officials for the 2018 MRDA European Qualifiers hosted by the New Wheeled Order on August 18th – 19th at the North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK.

This action packed two day event will see the top eight ranked MRDA teams from outside of North America compete to earn a place at the 2018 MRDA Championship hosted by Bridgetown Roller Derby in Salem, Oregon, USA on October 12th-14th.

As always, the MRDA would like to thank all of the individuals who put themselves forward to officiate and volunteer.  The organisation couldn’t do this without you!

Needing no introduction, these amazing officials will be heading up the officiating teams for the event:

GTO

Jeff

THR

Igor Maniac
Killer Bite (Apprentice)

THNSOs

Sara Tonin
Yvel Saint Laurent

And joining this talented leadership core is an equally impressive group of experienced officials:

CHNSOs

Bomb Weasley
Linz & Needles
Sticks & Stoner

NSOs
Ablockalypse Pow!
Ace Scrimmer
ANAIMAL
Anneka Vice
Beth Case Scenario
disorderlee
emKa
Gorier Estefan
Halo Jones
Hannah
Joe Care
Krystal Vice
Maimed’oiselle
Miss D. Moan
Miss Fury
Nutz
Pancake
Polo Kiwy
Pretty Miffed
Pussy Panzerfaust
Robert John Lawrence
Sarah Wilkins
Speedy Convalesce
Staggasaurus
Strange Edge
X-Ray Ted

CHRs

Big Smack & Fries
Skabarella

Referees
Clockwork Droid
Duncan Disorderly
Eddie Whizzard
Faerie Nuff
Glen Moreangry
Jens Hötger
Judge Redd
Macfarlane
Mercy B. Coup
R-Toot
Rollin Rat
Shuggs Bunny
Sparks Mae Fly
Sven WillIBeFamous
Victoria Velociraptor
Wonder Zebra

Event details are available on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/795458060644171/

MRDA Announces Officiating Leadership for Playoffs

The 2018 MRDA Playoff dates have been set and, following much deliberation, the Officiating Committee are thrilled to announce the tournament heads!

First up, the North American Playoffs will be hosted by Mass Maelstrom and take place in Fitchburg, MA, USA. Running August 4th & 5th, your heads are:

GTO – Mooose
THR – Judge Double Wapner
THNSO – Toxic Marcotic

The application to officiate, be part of the stats crew, or be an apprentice GTO is still open for North American playoffs, and can be found here:
Http://tinyurl.com/MRDA-Playoffs-2018-Boston

Over the other side of the Atlantic – August 18th & 19th, New Wheeled Order will bring you the European Playoffs in Halifax, UK, overseen by an equally impressive line up:

GTO – Jeff
THR – Igor Maniac
Apprentice THR: Killer Bite
THNSO – Sara Tonin & Yvel Saint Laurent

These action packed two day, one track events will see the top eight ranked MRDA teams from each region compete to earn a place at 2018’s MRDA Championships; this year hosted by Bridgetown Roller Derby, Salem, OR, USA.

The championships will run October 12th – 14th, with applications for tournament heads going live later in the season.

As always, the MRDA are hugely appreciative of all the individuals who put themselves forward; without help from the many officials and volunteers, these epic weekends would not be possible – Thank You!

Spring 2018 Rankings

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the Spring Rankings for the 2018 season. The MRDA rankings committee calculated these rankings based on games played between 3/5/2017 through 3/4/2018.The rankings were voted on by the member leagues.

1 St. Louis Gatekeepers
2 Bridgetown Roller Derby
3 San Diego Aftershocks
4 Southern Discomfort
5 Roller Derby Toulouse
6 Manchester Roller Derby
7 New York Shock Exchange
8 Puget Sound Outcast Derby
9 Vancouver Murder (+1)
10 Magic City Misfits (-1)
11 Philadelphia Hooligans
12 Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder
13 Tyne and Fear Roller Derby
14 Austin Anarchy
15 Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby
16 Mass Maelstrom
17 Race City Rebels
18 Denver Ground Control (+1)
19 Victoria Men’s Roller Derby (+2)
20 Thunderquads Roller Derby Masculino (-2)
21 Toronto Men’s Roller Derby (-1)
22 Montreal Men’s Roller Derby (+1)
23 Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby (+1)
24 Wisconsin Men’s Roller Derby (+11)
25 Dakota Men’s Roller Derby (+10)
26 Brisbane City Rollers (+2)
27 Cincinnati Battering Rams (+7)
28 Drive-By City Rollers (-1)
29 Sydney City Smash (+1)
30 Varsity Derby League (-1)
31 Wheels of Mayhem (-9)
32 Panam Squad (-6)
33 Carolina Wreckingballs (-2)
34 Lane County Concussion (-2)
35 Glenmore Reservoir Dogs (NPR)
36 The Skaters Grim (-3)
37 Atlanta Men’s Roller Derby (NPR)
38 Chicago Bruise Brothers (+3
39 Collision Men’s Derby (-2)
40 Nottingham Roller Derby (NPR)
41 Casco Bay Gentlemen’s Derby (-2)
42 Harm City Men’s Derby (-6)
43 Detroit Men’s Roller Derby
44 Flour City Fear Men’s Roller Derby (-4)
45 Capital City Hooligans (-3)
46 Pittsburgh Blue Streaks (-2)
47 Cleveland Men’s Roller Derby (-1)

Unranked Teams:

Barrow Infernos
Crash Test Brummies
Derby Club le Crès Lattes
East Anglo Smacksons
Granite City Brawlers
Houston Men’s Roller Derby
Lille Moustaches
Manneken Beasts
Men’s Roller Derby Japan
New Orleans Brass Roller Derby
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby
Mohawk Valley Roller Derby
Red Deer Dreadnaughts
Sioux City Korn Stalkers
South Wales Silures
Star City Offense
Tampa Bay Men’s Roller Derby
Texas Men’s Roller Derby
The Inhuman League
West Swedish Roller Derby Society
Wirral Roller Derby

 

MRDA Announces March’s Skater of the Month: Streetfight Manifesto

Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a skater that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain. This skater showcases teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the track. We believe that these values are the building blocks for any successful league, team, skater, and person. This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Skater of the Month to be: Streetfight Manifesto of Toronto Men’s Roller Derby

We were able to ask Streetfight some questions about his role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Skater Name: Streetfight Manifesto
Number: 1234
League Affiliation: Toronto Men’s Roller Derby
Position: Blocker
Years in derby: 4
What got you into roller derby?  Really, just learning that men’s roller derby was a thing.  As soon as I’d digested that information, I went out and bought skates.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?  Helping Toronto crack the top 20 at the end of last season.

How do you push yourself to be a better athlete?  Hard hits from bigger guys at practice are pretty good incentive to up my strength.  I’m an average sized guy on a relatively diminutive team!

What are your goals for the upcoming season?  I want us to make playoffs in Massachusetts, and raise hell there.

Who inspires you the most?   I just like watching high-level teams play in general.  If that doesn’t make you want to put your skates on and practice to get better, not much will.

What do you do outside of derby (work, fun, etc)?  I’m a senior manager for a large telecom in Canada.  When I’m not doing that, playing some records and/or reading a book is my idea of a good time.

What song do you listen to get pumped before a bout?  9mm and a Three Piece Suit – Streetlight Manifesto

What advice would you give to new skaters?  The sport, while difficult, isn’t as daunting as it nearly looks.  Everyone has quite a learning curve when they start off. Get some gear, borrow from a friend, or your friendly nearby league and give it a try!  

 

 

MRDA Endorsed Tournaments 2018

As the weather starts to warm up in the Northern Hemisphere, it can mean only one thing — tournament season is about to get underway! We’ve got a handful of MRDA Endorsed Tournaments already on the docket, which are going to keep your spring exciting and have big results when it comes time to see who’s going to Play-Offs!

 

Are you hosting a tournament that you’d like to see become MRDA endorsed? Please see our interest form here: https://goo.gl/forms/toMoc2hhHNZrdVBE3

 

April 14-15, April Angst, Philadelphia, PA

Come join us in the City of Brotherly Love for an exciting weekend of men’s roller derby hosted by The Philadelphia Hooligans! Formerly known as March Manness, this is the 3rd year of this tournament, appropriately renamed, April Angst. Come join the Philadelphia Hooligans and enjoy the sights and sounds of high level MRDA action.

Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1998864773662645/

May 4-6, The Big O, Eugene, OR

Emerald City Roller Derby (ECRD) is proud to announce that they will be hosting the 8th annual Big O Roller Derby Tournament at Lane County Events Center in Eugene, OR.  We are excited to be bringing together top adult and junior roller derby teams from around the world to compete in a 3-day, action packed roller derby tournament that has been heralded as THE early season tournament to establish team rankings in the WFTDA, MRDA and JRDA.  

ECRD is thrilled to be able to bring together top ranked WFTDA and MRDA teams such as the 2017 WFTDA World Champions Victorian Roller Derby League, the 2016 WFTDA World Champions Rose City Rollers, the reigning MRDA champions St. Louis Gatekeepers, and #2 ranked Bridgetown Roller Derby as well as crowd favorite Wheels of Mayhem.  Our Juniors division is expanding this year and includes JRDA #1 ranked Santa Cruz Derby Groms and #2 ranked Seattle Derby Brats. Adult and junior teams will be competing in multiple bouts on 3 separate tracks over 3 days for an exhilarating weekend of world class roller derby. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3182852, at the door or through ECRD and competing team members.  

Visit www.ECRG.com/BigO or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EmeraldCityRollerDerby/  for more information, including a full list of this year’s competitors, information on local events and a list of our generous sponsors.

 

May 12-13, Battle of Bunker Hill, Fitchburg, MA

Battle of Bunker Hill is back for its 3rd year! And this year we’re excited to announce that we’ll be featuring 4 MRDA teams and 4 WFTDA teams. Each of those groups will play a round robin over the course of two days. We are really excited to incorporate both MRDA sanctioned games and WFTDA sanctioned games this year!

The event will be held May 12-13, 2018 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Venue is the Wallace Civic Center: http://www.fitchburgfalcons.com/insideAthletics/wallace_civic_center/index

Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/173630103402827/

 

June 15-17, Wheels of Steel, Pittsburgh, PA

Wheels of Steel 3.0 is a men’s roller derby tournament featuring 8 MRDA Charter Teams from across the east coast and mid west. In its third year, 13 bracketed games will be played over this long weekend to crown this year’s Champion!

Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1914838078835044/?ti=as