Interesting in 2008: the roller derby ladies
One of the best things about working on AOA this past year is that we've had the chance to meet a lot of interesting people. We'll be highlighting a handful of them between now and the start of 2009.
If you'd asked us in 2007 what new sport would be the talk of the Capital Region in '08 -- well, let's just say we probably wouldn't have guessed roller derby. But scantily clad women on wheels, with names like Dottie Damage and Beirut Bombshell, got people talking about the action on -- and off -- the track.
The Albany All Stars opened to sell-out crowds earlier this year at the Washington Ave Amory. And the Bettie-Page-meets-Joan-Jett attitude, combined with a need for speed, made for some awesome action. It was all fun and games until someone got punched in the face and some players questioned the balance between athleticism and entertainment.
That question created a rift in the local roller derby community -- which, in turn, led to
the creation of a new team this past fall, The Hellions of Troy.
Is there room in the Capital Region for two roller derby leagues? The fans will decide. But after some time apart, it sounds like the All Stars and the Hellions have found peace.
The All Stars are back at the Armory January 24 vs the Jersey Shore Roller Girls. The Hellions are back in action February 15 at the Fun Spot in Queensbury.
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Comments
The last Albany All Stars Bout was awesome.
... said Big Mike on Dec 30, 2008 at 12:02 PM | link
I'm glad to see the Hellions made your list. I went to their last bout against the Green Mountain Derby Dames and it was so cool. My life is changed. Seriously. Go see them if you get the chance.
... said Hoager on Dec 30, 2008 at 2:23 PM | link