Today in the Phoenix area, there are two exiciting roller derby events taking place.
Before that, we must mention that the RENEGADE ROLLERGIRLS have postponed their park demo bout "until further notice". Therefore, they will not be skating today.
BRUISER NATION SCRIMMAGE BETWEEN:
THE ARIZONA BRUISERS and
(TUCSON ROLLER DERBY) COPPER QUEENS
CASEY AT THE BAT (40TH ST-UNION HILLS)
4PM - INFORMAL SCRIMMAGE - OPEN - LIMITED SEATING
There has been a lot of big news this just in the past couple of days about the Bruisers and their announced separation from AZRD. As we have mentioned, the Bruisers are looking at scheduling at least one event every month. This will give them a lot of skating experience if you include scrimmaging, bouting and practice. The Copper Queens are getting ready for their 6-bout season at Tucson starting on March 1 will definitely use this scrimmage to get ready for that season, especially with tough competition by the FTW and a newly charged Iron Curtain, who just won their first bout in December.
Myself, I am a big fan of the Tucson skaters mainly based on speed. Between skaters like Sloppy Flo and Dirty Teri, the Old Pueblo is definitely producing some fast skaters. Here in Phoenix, I am hearing that derby skaters from all of the leagues have recently been attending speed classes. I think this is great as it will definitely help improve the overall quality of skater here in our market. The Bruisers will be coming into this scrimmage charged up with a new attitude related to their recent separation from AZRD. While I have seen the Brusiers bout and scrimmage in the past, they will definitely have a challenge where it comes to the jamming of the Copper Queens' Dirty Teri and Cheap Ore. These two skaters are not only fast but both are great in breaking a pack like it's swiss cheese.
Some information communicated to the AZDR stated that the Copper Queens may not be bringing a full roster to Phoenix, but that's no reason to not come out.
Even with a potential short roster and the feeling that the Bruisers (as well as other PHX area teams on all leagues) are trying to ramp up to the next level, I really think that speed is going to prevail today.
COPPER QUEENS by a medium margin in a higher scoring game.
Then later that evening at the same venue...
ARIZONA ROLLER DERBY REGULATION BOUT #3
THE BRAWLARINAS (0-1) and
THE SURLY GURLIES (0-1)
CASEY AT THE BAT (40TH ST-UNION HILLS)
DOORS OPEN AT 7PM - BOUT AT 7:30PM - TKTS $12 AT THE DOOR
This is the make-up to the January 5th bout that was recently postponed due to rain in the Phoenix area. This has given both teams some additional time to practice. I have recently seen both teams scrimmage and without giving any secrets away, both teams definitely are showing about the same level of play. But then again, they were scrimmaging against two powerhouse teams (Bruisers for the Surlys and Beaters for the Brawlas).
As long as all of the skaters are focused on this bout, it should be a very even match-up. Based on all of the bouts and scrimmages that I have seen that have involved these teams, it appears that both teams will have some difficulty breaking the pack. This is definitely going to be a blocker's game. But overall, my heart is still draped with a purple tutu.
BRAWLARINAS by a small margin in a medium scoring game.
This is just one derby fan's opinion on today. Good luck to all of the teams and please play a safe game and have great after-partys!!!
THE ARIZONA DERBY REPORT
Michelle A. Eyre - Michi-chan
