Event Review: Roller Derby

YOU HAVE TO GO SEE ROLLER DERBY LIVE! There are only a few chances a year to see this sport in all its glory and cheer on the local league and if you're seeking to tap into a unique experience: this is it! Ottawa's all-female flat track roller derby league, Rideau Valley Roller Girls, has some of the coolest and toughest chicks I've ever seen and they put on a show that is totally awesome. Here's why you need to go:

• Rollery Derby bouts only happen once in a blue moon so when you hear of one coming up you've got to go and check it out.


• Roller Derby is real and raw and the girls are fierce. You can pick out your favourite girls, based on her name (ASSASSINista, Soul Rekker, DDT) and watch the purple bruises grow on their legs as the game progresses.


• The outfits (neon rollerskates, red tights, helmets, tattoos....anything goes!) are so cool. Seriously, men and women will love them all equally.
  
• The rules aren't too difficult but you should brush up on them before you go. Essentially, the goal of the game is to get the jammer (the smallest, fastest girl) on your team to whip through the other team's defence and gain points by passing them all.
  
• Buy your ticket in advance and show up to the venue early to make sure you get good seats and/or to get into the beer section.
  
• Have fun in the stands by watching the show and thinking about what your rollery derby name would be - if only you were tough enough to race!!
  
• Recommendation: Watch the movie Whip It! (featuring Canada's own Ellen Page!) before you go and you'll learn all the rules and fall that much closer in love with the game.
  
  
  
  Related news: Juliette Lewis who had a starring role in Whip It! will be in Ottawa performing with her band at Mavericks on Rideau St. on Aug. 12. Tickets are $23.50 advance and available on ticketweb.ca.

Rating: Medium ($, push yourself out of your comfort zone and see this!)

Date: June 26th

Location: Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Ave, Ottawa ON

Tickets $12 Advance / $15 at the Door
Doors open at 7pm. Game starts at 8pm
Rideau Valley Roller Girls