Contributed by Jaida Gough, Boom Town Derby Dames
Battle of the Valley: BTDD VS. DDD
2/18/2017 – 7PM
Boom Town Derby Dames, Denali Destroyer Dolls
Menard Sports Center, Wasilla
Tickets: $12 Adults, $5 Children, $10 Military/Seniors
This is it. It’s finally happening. The game we’ve all been waiting for. Boom Town Derby Dames will host the Denali Destroyer Dolls at the Curtis Menard Sports Center on February 18, 2017. I repeat, BTDD will host DDD in Wasilla, February 18, 2017. Doors open at 6:00pm, wheels roll at 7:00pm.
The first and only time these Mat-Su Valley home teams had faced off was January 12, 2013. It was only Boom Town’s second game ever played. The anticipation of this game filled the MTA center with expectant fans, despite freezing rain forcing people to drive with the same caution a Fresh Meat skater uses when first rolling onto the track. The game was electrifying; the refs attempted to quiet the high-spirited crowd, to give skaters a chance to hear start whistles or penalty calls. Unsurprisingly, this only riled the audience up more. The game ended in a tie, bringing the teams into overtime: one last jam. The atmosphere was intense. In those final two minutes, Boom Town's jammer scored, while the blockers kept DDD’s jammer at bay.
The dawn of the Boom Town Derby Dames is credited to six hardworking women in 2012, at the Schwabenhof in Wasilla. Two of the six remain with the team today, and will be playing in February’s game. It’s no surprise that the founding members had initially skated for the Dolls, as DDD was the first team born here in the Valley. Roller Derby itself is a small community, and it isn’t uncommon to find a skater who has played on both teams, before deciding which was a better fit.
Chances are that while out in Palmer or Wasilla, a black Boom Town jacket, complete with the skater’s derby name and number embroidered in white on the back, or perhaps a deep purple DDD hoodie, with a lime green skater name emblazoned on it has been spotted. When I’m out wearing my black jacket, it’s inevitable that I get asked what the red star with BTDD on the front is for. After responding that I play roller derby in the Valley, I most commonly get one of three responses.
Response 1: There’s roller derby in the Valley?! (Yes, two teams actually. Our home games are in Wasilla and DDD plays in Palmer, check it out sometime!)
Response 2: Oh! You must skate with __________? (I’ve seen her skate, but she is not actually on my team.)
Response 3: When will BTDD and DDD play against each other again? (Finally! I can triumphantly throw my hands in the air while proclaiming, “February 18, at the Curtis Menard Center! Doors open at 6 pm, wheels roll at 7 pm!”)
Will Boom Town remain undefeated against the Dolls, or will the Dolls jam their way to victory?
Tickets can be found online at brownpapertickets.com, at the door, or with any Boom Town skater. $12 for adults, $5 for children and $10 for military and seniors. This game is not one to miss! We’ll see you February 18th, at 6:00 pm at the Curtis Menard Center in Wasilla! As always Boom Town is welcoming new skaters, officials or non-skating officials. Find out more on facebook! http:www.facebook.com/boomtownderby
