News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes 

The long-anticipated first home-bout of the Lake City Derby Girls is coming to the Cariboo Memorial Complex on Saturday at 7pm. The group formed last November and the members have been honing their skills in preparation for this high-octane, entertaining competition in their home town. 

Lake City Derby Girl Teness Romaniuk, or ‘Knuckle Bunny’, said that they will be joined on Saturday by guest skaters ‘Raggedy Rollers’ from Armstrong, Vernon and the Salmon Arm area. “We helped them out on their first home-bout when they got started and now they’re coming to return the favour,” she said. “We will compete against the ‘Rated PG Roller Girls.’  

(Photos by Jason Ryll)

She said that since the league in Williams Lake got started, some of the Roller Derby Girls have played out of town for teams in places like Prince George and Armstrong. 

 “We’re really excited about this—it’s going to be quite the event,” she explained. “We’re bringing a lot of energy, heart and adrenalin into the bout and will go above and beyond people’s expectations.” 

Besides the sheer entertainment and excitement of the two 30-minute bouts, there will be kids’ activities and a half-time show featuring young talent in high-speed, skate-board performances. 

The Lake City Derby Girls is made up of a range of women from a range of interests, skills and backgrounds. “By day, one lady is a seniors’ care aide, one is a stay-at-home mom and one is a bookkeeper,” Knuckle Bunny said. “At night our alter-egos come out---we put on our costumes and change our names and we’re all Derby Girls.”       

She said that getting involved in roller derby has more than exceeded her expectations. “It’s a much more organized, strategic sport than I thought,” she continued. “I’ve also been surprised at how much we’ve all changed since our league got started. 

 “I’ve picked up skating skills and endurance, and I notice that all our bodies have really changed. You get in great shape,” she said. “When I first got started, I hadn’t roller skated since I was seven years old.” 

One of the great things about roller derby, according to Teness, is that it welcomes women of all body types and backgrounds and gives them the confidence and skills to get out and be competitive, fierce and courageous while they’re having the time of their lives. 

 “Summer Slammer will be fun for all ages---young people always love it, but seniors like it too,” she said. “They often remember it from when they were younger. This will be great entertainment for families---kids under 10 are free and it’s an affordable night of action and fun for everyone. 

“It’s also a source of real inspiration for women and we will have a ‘fresh-meat’ sign up sheet on our merchandise table,” she continued. “We welcome people to come and try this out: we supply skates and some gear to help you get started and your first session is always free.” 

Tickets are available at the Overlander Pub, New Waves Pool and Spa and Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed. For more information, contact them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

| More...