MRDA, the international governing body of men’s roller derby, has added a third new league to its ranks this season!
This new league was accepted through a vote of MRDA’s membership to be added to our growing list of MRDA affiliated leagues.
We are elated to welcome to the MRDA- Borderland Bandits Stamford, Lincolnshire, England
This league worked hard to gain membership into the MRDA for the last 18 months and we look forward to their contributions in the MRDA and open gender derby worldwide! Please join us in wishing them the best of luck!
The MRDA has voted to remove the restriction against dual chartering with the WFTDA to realign the charter policies between both organizations. This allows a skater to be chartered within both organizations, assuming a skater joins an MRDA league and follows all guidelines and protocols of MRDA membership.
Denver Ground Control are your hosts for the 2019 MRDA Champs. They kick off the tournament off with a highly anticipated game against Austin Anarchy, who recently beat them by a slender nine points.
“We are excited to open the tournament with a rematch against Austin. We had a rough second half against them at NAQ Qualifiers and are eager to redeem ourselves.” – Pete Broderick
The team had a good run at The Big O earlier this year, thrashing the Wheels of Mayhem, Philly and then the Aftershocks, before losing to Bridgetown by forty points.
They will enjoy the usual hometown advantages like familiarity with the venue and track surface, plus the fact they can all sleep in their own beds between games. However, the biggest benefit will be Denver’s ability to play at altitude. This is important, as the city lies one mile above sea level, so just breathing takes effort.
Denver comes into this tournament at ninth seed. There is fierce competition in this part of the bracket between seeds #6 and -#10, however, Denver has a good chance to climb the rankings.
If they win their game with Austin, then they take on the fearsome Gatekeepers. Otherwise, they’ll play either the Kamiquadz, Golden State, or in the case of an upset, Magic City Misfits.
MEET THE TEAM…
Name: Broderick Position: Blocker #40 (C)
What is it about roller derby that appealed to you?
I’ve been ice and roller skating most of my life and spent a lot of time growing up playing ice hockey. As an adult, I played regularly in adult rec ice hockey leagues. Roller derby offered a level of physical play that’s generally not allowed in rec league hockey. The biggest difference is the physicality. Most adult ice hockey leagues are “no-checking,” and allow only minimal contact. Roller Derby allows me to play a full-contact sport. The community is also incredibly diverse, welcoming and accepting, and I’m glad to be a part of it.
What do you think your coach would say about you?
I think they would say I’m a dependable and consistent blocker.
What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?
I would ultimately like to retire knowing that we’ve built a sustainable model for Men’s roller derby here in Denver and that the team will continue to build on its success.
What mental tool do you use under pressure?
I regularly do deep breathing exercises both off track and on the bench to focus and settle down.
Who is your sporting hero?
I changed my number to #40 in honor of Charlie O’Connell when he passed away in 2015. O’Connell was one of the top stars of the “old” roller derby and played for the New York Chiefs and S.F. Bay Bombers. I know it’s a completely different sport that we play today, but I wish more modern roller derby athletes knew about the stars of the old days and the history that we grew out of.
The Magic City Misfits are veterans of the old Men’s Derby Coalition, having formed way back in April 2009 by a group of jam skaters. They skate at The Rink in Deland, Florida, which is a member-owned venue.
Although they have experienced a growth in numbers recently, skaters are very spread out and so adhere to their own targeted training regimes and practising with other leagues in their area. Despite these obstacles, they find it relatively easy to retain members, although, with a lack of teams in the Southeast, home games are rare.
After a rocky 2018, the squad have regrouped and faced this season head-on, winning back to back games at Brewhaha, before an explosive showdown against Gatekeepers at ECDX where they were victorious by a mere 8 points.
But that was almost four months ago now, Magic City may be ranked #2, but equally, St Louis have been building behind the scenes and will want an opportunity to prove that they are number one.
A handful of teams are currently standing in their way, if they want a rematch, they have no choice but get all the way to the final 17:00 Sunday.
MEET THE TEAM…
Name: Michael Bratz
Describe the season so far?
Exhilarating. We usually go into champs having to face one of the teams to beat. This season we are going in with a target on our backs.
Who are you looking forward to playing?
Vancouver Murder. We feel like we match up with them well and it would make for a fun game to play and an exciting game to watch.
What can you expect from the tournament?
This time we have to defend ourselves. Being a high seed people are going to come out swinging. It’ll be fun!
Any shoutouts?
We would like to extend a shout out to Chris “Sweetmeat” Harrison. Tore his ACL last year and was able to bounce back in 10 months!
An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.
We’re now a moments away from NAQ 2019 which sees Denver Ground Control, Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, Lane County Concussion, Philadelphia Hooligans, Austin Anarchy, Chicago Bruise Brothers, Race City Rebels and Toronto Roller Derby battle it out for the final few spots. The event, which is co-hosted by Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, takes place this weekend in Rome, New York.
New skater Duke Jukem, of Austin Anarchy looks back over his first MRDA season.
Credit: Don Quinn
Credit: Brent Lavelle
What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?
When we won our bout against OKMRD in April in the last jam with so many people missing and my mid-game injury. And then when it came time to do the victory lap celebration and I couldn’t because of my sprained ankle, Spank picked me up and put me on her back and ran me around with the team. It Felt v.great that the team was so clutch and that everyone was so happy to help me enjoy the game even though I had that ankle injury.
Have any other moments stood out personally for you?
Honestly, I cherish every practice we have. I haven’t met a nicer and more hilarious group of people probably ever. Every moment = Best moment
What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?
I’m excited to be a part of NAQ because I will get to see and experience the skills and caliber of other teams and players. I’m quite new to roller derby so seeing how people approach different roller derby situations has really helped me grow as a skater and being at NAQ may be the best way for me to improve.
What will you be working on during the tournament?
Being so new to derby/skating I’m not really sure? Probably everything? I really just want to try my hardest in every jam and learn what works for me and what doesn’t.
Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?
Smol blockers. Because… I am a smol jammer
Who’s the one to watch on your team?
Honestly, everyone. Ill Nino is a boulder and will plow through any wall. Wombo Combo is dextrous and if a seam opens up in a wall you can bet your bottom dollar he’s getting through it. Sharknado is the ultimate DBZ fusion of the two and will try and bust through a wall and if it doesn’t work he’ll just juke around it. Naked Alien because you’ll think you have cleared the pack of blockers and out of nowhere you’ll get your world rocked and as you fly out of bounds you’ll be wondering how in the world this happened. Doc, because he gets lower than a limbo world champion. Trexx because one hit from him will leave you reeling in pain. Joliet Jane because she invented plows. So yeah… Should look out for everyone.
If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?
Easily Spank, Ill Nino, and Naked Alien. Spank and Ill Nino are always helping with practices, logistics, administration things, etc. They were also the two people who always checked in on me and looked out for me at practices when I was getting my skates under me. If it wasn’t for their constant encouragement and advice I probably would be a much less developed skater and derby player. Also, Naked Alien because of his cool head, amazing skating abilities, and his constant willingness to train more, train better, and train harder. His work and practice ethic I think is something we all strive to have.
An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.
We’re now a moments away from NAQ 2019 which sees Denver Ground Control, Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, Lane County Concussion, Philadelphia Hooligans, Austin Anarchy, Chicago Bruise Brothers, Race City Rebels and Toronto Roller Derby battle it out for the final few spots. The event, which is co-hosted by Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, takes place this weekend in Rome, New York.
Here Chicago Bruise Brothers skater Trivy Al Pursuit talks about what NAQ means to the team.
Credit: DeFord Designs
What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?
While we didn’t win as much as 2018, we stood our ground against tougher opponents. But scoring our first wins against Minnesota and Toronto after falling short in the past stood out for me.
What other moments have stood out personally for you?
The level of intensity at practices. Leaving practice at the end of the night and just being so sore, but satisfied with the work you’ve done.
What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?
It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by the league over the past several years. We made the commitment to be a competitive team and our first appearance at NAQ is a significant payoff, but we’re not done yet.
What will you be working on during the tournament?
As a team, adapting to opponents on the fly. You can watch tape on people, but you have to be ready to change course based on what you actually encounter.
Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?
I’m looking forward to our first game against Lane County Concussion. We faced them at BrewHaha 2018 and we want another crack at them.
Who’s the one to watch on your team?
Watch our blocking lines, we had some new people to mix in at the beginning of the year and they’ve really become to gel as a group.
If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?
Hard to choose one person, but I’ll go with Markimedes. He’s the first person to engage with new members and visitors to our league. His positive attitude has an effect on everyone.
An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.
We’re now a moments away from NAQ 2019 which sees Denver Ground Control, Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, Lane County Concussion, Philadelphia Hooligans, Austin Anarchy, Chicago Bruise Brothers, Race City Rebels and Toronto Roller Derby battle it out for the final few spots. The event, which is co-hosted by Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, takes place this weekend in Rome, New York.
Here we catch up with Philadelphia Hooligan’s Silas Lilly AKA Smash Ketch’em, and talk about their season highlights.
Credit: Hispanic Attack
What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?
Watching eight of our teammates give everything they had during The Big O. You can’t challenge the heart within a Hooligan.
Have any moments stood out personally for you?
I think that April Angst was a big test to what we had to offer this year and we walked away with a good sense of what we could accomplish while also appreciating the growth of a team like the Golden State Heat.
What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?
It’s a chance to show the world that the Hooligans are ever fluid. We grow, adapt, and change year to year but we never lose the magic; that makes this team who we are.
What will you be working on during the tournament?
As a team, I think our focus is really on dynamic teamwork. Personally, this will be my first time playing at NAQ and I’m really focusing on making an impact however I can.
Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?
I love Austin. They’re a fantastic bunch of humans and I could play them thirty times a year and still enjoy every moment. They play a tough game, but they still manage to be a class act and fun to be around.
Who’s the one to watch on your team?
Grasso is honestly one of the most technically sound skaters I’ve ever met, but still has some of the most outrageous footwork around. He jams, he blocks, he sets the bar for us all. Personally, he’s the standard to which I set my growth each practice.
If there was an award for outstanding contribution behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?
Schuler is the unspoken hero of the Hooligans. He does a great job of being knowledgeable about MRDA while also being a solid, reasonable voice throughout our league as a whole. Personally, he’s not afraid to challenge your point of view respectfully, but he’s quite open to outside perspectives too. I remember specifically saying that he had the potential to be the future of our team when he came aboard and he’s certainly fulfilled that notion.
An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.
We’re now a moments away from NAQ 2019 which sees Denver Ground Control, Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, Lane County Concussion, Philadelphia Hooligans, Austin Anarchy, Chicago Bruise Brothers, Race City Rebels and Toronto Roller Derby battle it out for the final few spots. The event, which is co-hosted by Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, takes place this weekend in Rome, New York.
Here MRDA chats to Mohawk Valley’s head coach Gutshot and Captain Brandon Scherz.
Credit: Hispanic Attack
Credit: Hispanic Attack
What has been Mowhawk’s MRDA highlight for 2019?
G: Our team highlight was definitely winning the Mohawk Valley Cup for the first time in our leagues’ history! We have been the proud host of the tournament since 2012, but have never finished above 4th place.
BS: Definitely winning our own tournament. This was our 6th year hosting and 1st time winning. It felt so good to get that win.
Have any moments stood out to you personally?
G: Our first jam in our final game vs Manneken Beasts at the MVC – two minute jam with no lead, some of the beast blocking I have witnessed in my eleven years of roller derby. That was the best the Quadfathers have ever played and I’m still beaming with pride from that team win.
BS: MVP blocker at MVC has been a personal goal of mine and this year I was finally able to get it. I’ve received lots of MVPs and honors over the years but this one has eluded me and felt very satisfying to get finally.
What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?
G: Everything. Last year our main goal was to make it to NAQ. We made it in at the 6th seed, pulled off a couple of upsets and made it to the finals against a strong Denver team. This year we are going in as the number two seed at a NAQ that we are proud to be hosting. We are no longer the eternal underdogs, we have a target on our backs and we have to work hard to obtain our goal of qualifying for Champs.
BS: It means a lot to me for our team to be at NAQ. Our skaters and coaches have worked very hard to put us in a good position to succeed the last two seasons.
What will you be working on during the tournament?
G: Personally I will be working on keeping everyone hydrated, rested and focused. Tournament weekends take a lot out of you mentally and physically, even more so when you are hosting.
On the track, the team will be working on taking control from jam one, as well as staying focused throughout every part of each game.
BS: During the tournament I’ll definitely be working on being the best communicator I can be and of course staying out of the box, haha (I’m sure that’s the goal of all skaters).
Who are you personally looking forward to facing on the track and why?
G: I could say everyone! Seriously all of these teams are great and have put in work to get here. We will be facing Race City first, that should be an exciting game and I am sure they are out to avenge their loss to us from NAQ last year. I’m also looking forward to the possibility of facing Austin again. We had a very slim victory over them last year, so that match up should be one to watch. Plus Austin is just one of the teams I love to watch and are all stand up human beings.
BS: I haven’t really thought of any personal matchups. I have just been focusing on taking it one game at a time and hopefully being able to skate Sunday night for a chance at going to champs.
Who’s the one to watch on your team?
G: Another tough one, all of our players are standouts for different reasons. I’m going to say #1013 El Majestic though. He is a coach’s dream pivot; super-fast, has some of the best switches from offense to defense I have ever seen and is a power house. Besides all that he is one of the most kind-hearted, humble players I have ever had the honor to know. His greatness can’t fly under the radar any longer, whenever El Majestic is on the track people take notice. Get ready to have a new favorite blocker (if he isn’t yours already) MRDA!
BS: One person to watch on our team is definitely Funk, Anthony Acosta. Dude is a beast on the track!!!!
If there was an award for outstanding contribution behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?
G: Again I feel like there are a number of people who could get this. I’m going to cheat and name a few because I think they should be recognized. Stever (#96) our president has worked tirelessly for years for MVRD. The Mohawk Valley Cup is his brainchild and baby (now adolescent?) and I don’t know where we would be without him. Chapin (#43) our Vice President has done a ton of work this season making sure MVRD has its ducks in a row to meet MRDA standards to allow us to continue to play and meet our goals. He is someone who truly cares about the league and the MRDA in general. Some of the best inter-team sportsmanship I have seen has come from Chapin and I’m always proud to have him represent MVRD. I also want to shout out Fuerza Brutal (#1213) who is in charge of our PR and marketing. Thank you for making us all look awesome and wrangling our often distracted selves. Brutal is someone every member of the league can rely on, on and off the track!
BS: Our coaching staff (including my wife:) ) definitely gets the award for outstanding contribution to the team. They volunteer to help at almost all practices and put up with my nonsense of always putting my two cents in.
With Qualifiers only weeks away it’s time to share with all y’all the who’s going to be officiating at the tournaments. First up we have 2019 Men’s European Qualifiers, hosted by Granite City Brawlers on 3rd & 4th August
Fun fact: all of the MEQ crews were all named for notable Scottish women who furthered humanity in their works, through disciplines of Nursing, Scientific Illustration, Chemistry, Astronomy, Maths, and much more!
The Men’s Roller Derby Association adds a further two teams to their European this month – that’s four in total for June! Join us in welcoming Finland’s Helsinki Coast Quads and French team, Track’Association.
Helsinki Coast Quads, Finland
English:
Formed in July 2017, Helsinki Coast Quads are Helsinki’s only men’s roller derby league. They made their first trip overseas late last year to the Men’s European Cup, and although they faced strong opposition, came away with a significant amount of experience, especially for their newer players. “We went there as a team and came back as a stronger team” said team captain Bilbo Blockins
This year HCQ became Finland’s first ever Men’s National Champions. They won all four games in a two round series against Kouvola Concrete Threat and Tampere Rollin’ Bros. Later this year they have exciting games coming up at ‘November Pain’ in Kiel, Germany.
Asked about the MRDA membership, their captain had this to say: “This is an exciting new chapter for us. We have felt the love and competition from the organization already from the outside and can’t wait what is in store for us as full-fledged members.”
Finnish:
MRDA on innoissaan voidessaan julkistaa kaksi uutta jäsenseuraa. Heinäkuussa 2017 perustettu Helsinki Coast Quads on Helsingin ainoa miesten sarjaa pelaava roller derby -seura. He tekivät ensimmäisen ulkomaan pelimatkansa viime vuoden lopulla Men’s European Cuppiin. Vastustajat turnauksessa olivat kovia, mutta joukkue ja erityisesti sen uudemmat pelaajat palasivat reissusta kokemusta rikkaampana. “Lähdimme turnaukseen joukkueena ja palasimme sieltä vahvempana kuin koskaan.” , kertoo joukkueen kapteeni Bilbo Blockins.
Tänä vuonna HCQ:sta tuli kautta aikojen ensimmäinen miesten Suomen mestari. He voittivat kaikki neljä otteluaan kaksinkertaisessa sarjassa, jossa heitä vastassa olivat Kouvola Concrete Threat ja Tampere Rollin’ Bros. Tämän vuoden lopulla HCQ suuntaa November Pain -turnaukseen Saksan Kieliin, jossa heille on luvassa jännittäviä pelejä.
Kysyttäessä MRDA-jäsenyydestä joukkueen kapteeni sanoi seuraavaa: “Tämä on jännittävä uusi seikkailu meille. Olemme saaneet osamme järjestön rakkaudesta ja kilpailullisuudesta jo ulkopuolelta, joten emme malta odottaa mitä tuleman pitää kun olemme.”
Track’Association, France
English:
Track’Association team was created in January 2013 beginning as a regrouping of players from three French cities, before establishing themselves in the university town of Tours a few years ago. Since then they have continued to grow and gain experience, the hard work has certainly paid off – last year they placed third in the French Championships Elite division.
Known for their good humour, they tell MRDA “We are more than a team, we are family!”. Track’ass say that they are proud to be joining the organisation and are looking forward to growing further:
“Being MRDA is a great pride and a culmination after years of progress and sweats. We hope to make the French derby shine through France and beyond. The team takes on a new dimension with higher and higher goals. But beware, we are formidable and solid in party, for the game it can be discussed! And as our war cry says: Who let the Track’mens out? Woof woof woof!!
French:
La Track’Association a été créée en janvier 2013 à partir d’un regroupement de joueurs de trois villes françaises, avant de s’établir dans la ville universitaire de Tours il y a quelques années. Depuis, ils n’ont cessé de grandir et d’acquérir de l’expérience, le travail acharné a fini par porter ses fruits – l’année dernière, ils se sont classés troisièmes dans la division Elite des Championnats de France.
Reconnus pour leur bonne humeur, ils déclarent : “Nous sommes plus qu’une équipe, nous sommes une famille !”. Les Track’Ass se disent fiers de rejoindre l’organisation et se réjouissent à l’idée de poursuivre leur progression :
“Être membre de la MRDA est une grande fierté et un point culminant après des années de progrès et de transpiration. Nous espérons faire briller le derby français à travers la France et au-delà. L’équipe prend une nouvelle dimension avec des objectifs de plus en plus élevés. Mais attention, nous sommes redoutables et solides en soirée, pour ce qui est du jeu on peut en discuter ! Et comme le dit notre cri de guerre : Who let the Track’mens out? Woof woof woof woof woof woof !!!”
