October 1 Bout and Season Recap

The Iron Range Maidens finished out the 2016 season on October 1st at the Hodgins-Berardo arena. The bout against Bemidji’s Babe City Rollers was full of hard hits and good plays. The score at halftime was 46 to 52 Babe City. Playing aggressive offense for their jammer seemed to be the key for Babe City to keep the lead and ultimately win with a final score of 86 to 121. The Maidens opened the season with a win against Babe City in Bemidji. They also defeated SCAR and Roller Underground for a final season record of 3 wins and 1 loss.

Montana breaks through! Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

Montana breaks through! Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

The Iron Range Attackonites (IRM’s B Team) returned for one bout this season to debut our new and returning skaters. Martyr Maker and Mcbruiser have returned to the team. Gore Mae and The Fuzz made their debut as well. The league as a whole continues to grow with new skaters, refs and returning skaters.

With more members the team is planning to expand their 2017 schedule to include more bouts. They are also actively seeking an affordable space to practice in during the hockey season when ice is on the rink. (Suggestions welcome – info@ironrangemaidens.com) It is hard to grow new skaters and keep skaters in shape when there is limited practice space.

A few groups and people were highlighted this season by the Maidens. The bout beneficiaries were Itasca County D.A.R.E. and Star of the North Humane Society. These groups received proceeds from “Chuck-a-Duck”. The team also honored their photographer, Wes Bailey and Jacob Wetterling. Many Maidens and skaters across the state have “Team Wes” on their helmets. This was to support Wes as he was fighting an aggressive brain tumor; a battle he sadly lost this fall. His presence on the track as a photographer and off the track as a good friend will be greatly missed. The Maidens also sported a number 11 on their calves for Jacob Wetterling. The 11 things for Jacob are: be fair, be kind, be understanding, be honest, be thankful, be a good sport, be a good friend, be joyful, be generous, be gentle with others, be positive.

As always the Maidens want to thank everyone involved; from spectators, volunteers, and sponsors to skaters, refs, and NSOs. It was another great, injury free season. Be sure to follow the Maidens on Facebook!

Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2016 Quick N Derby

Season Finale! October 3, 2015

The Iron Range Maidens closed out their 5th season on October 3rd. The season finale did not disappoint. The maidens were victorious against the Mankato Area Derby Girls. The final score was 198 to 89. MAD Girls brought hard hits and high spirits, but it wasn’t enough to defeat the Maidens.

Kit E Breaks Through. Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

Kit E Breaks Through. Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

The 2015 season was a great one for the Maidens for many reasons. They finished out the year with 3 wins and 1 loss. The Maidens also placed 4th at a tournament in Grand Forks. Besides wins and losses, 2015 was another injury free year for the Maidens. Lastly the team is growing with old skaters returning and new skaters coming in.

In the past few months 12 women have shown interest in joining the team. The Maidens are always taking new people with any skating ability. If you find yourself curious about roller derby: want to watch or want to play, find the Iron Range Maidens on Facebook or email them at info@ironrangemaidens.com. Be on the lookout for their 2016 season where they hope to see many new skaters making their debut.

Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

The Iron Range Maidens would like to thank their sponsors for supporting them through the 2015 season: The Grand Rapids Eagles Club, Globe Drug, Grand Rapids State Bank, Ice Cube, KAXE, KOZY/KMFY, KQ, LMNO P-ZA, Northern Lights School, Northern Pines, Ogles Market Place, Paul Bunyan, Rapids Printing, Roller Derby Radio Network, Visit Grand Rapids, and Wine Creations. The season would also not be possible without their fans, volunteers, NSOs, and refs; to them the Maidens are also grateful. They hope to see you all next season!

Roller Derby Radio Network Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

Roller Derby Radio Network
Copyright 2015 Tim Verthein

August 29 Double Header

The Iron Range Maidens hosted a surprise double header on Saturday August 29th at the Hodgins-Berardo Arena.

The night started off with Bemidji’s Babe City Rollers taking on Moose Lake Mafia. A final score of 139 to 108 gave the Babes the win. Moose Lake put up a good fight with the help of some foster skaters from Harbor City Roller Dames. The Babes continue to show off their endurance and amazing team work with a short roster of only 9 skaters. Fine Day Fury and Hot Flash Gordon made their debut with the Babes.

BCR vs. MLM; Copyright 2015 JWesley.Bailey

BCR vs. MLM Copyright 2015 JWesley.Bailey

The Maidens were excited to give the crowd of 200 people a win. Aberdeen, South Dakota’s A-Town brought their A game with a small roster of only 9 skaters as well, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Maidens. The final score was 189 to 90.

Copyright 2015 Quick 'N' Derby

Copyright 2015 Quick ‘N’ Derby

Back in May A-Town battled with the Maidens at Rumble in the Valley Roller Derby Tournament in Grand Forks. In a 20 minute bout the maidens pulled out a win by only 3 points. The anticipation of playing a full bout against A-Town drove the maidens to practice harder and work on strategies.

Peanut Slugger-N-Jam, Addy Tude, and Miz D Meanor did not disappoint in their first bout back after a personal sabbatical. Winter is Coming made her debut as a true Maiden.

Peanut, Miz D and Addy Copyright 2015 JWesley.Bailey

Peanut, Miz D and Addy
Copyright 2015 JWesley.Bailey

If you are interested in skating, helping out, or just staying in loop with what the team is doing, you can follow the Maidens on Facebook or email info@ironrangemaidens.com. Since the bout, many ladies have stepped forward hoping to join the team. There are no tryouts to be a Maiden; Show up, get your gear, and pass the tests.

The last bout of the season will take place at the Hodgins-Berardo arena in Coleraine on October 3rd at 6pm. The Maidens are grateful for your support and hope to see you on the 3rd.

May 30th Home Opener

The Iron Range Maidens held their home opener on Saturday May 30th. The Maiden’s opponents, the Babe City Rollers of Bemidji, came ready to play. A lot of hard work and preparation went into this bout and they’ll have more to come.

The Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine has become home for the Maidens. The season opener was held there,  and the Maiden’s two upcoming home bouts will be there as well. Over 150 people filled the stands on Saturday night to watch the Maidens play the Babes.

The Babes came with 7 skaters, 1 of which was a foster skater from Harbor City, Penny Pinch Her. Even with a small roster the Babes proved they were a force to be reckoned with. The Maidens with a roster of 10 were unable to keep the Babes from winning.

The bout was full of fast paced skating, big hits, some pile ups, and a close score. The point spread was never more than 21 points. The lead team changed 9 times and the score was tied twice during the bout. The final score was 120 to 140 Babes.

Photo by Keith V.

Photo by Keith V.

Blak n’ Blu Betty had a 14 point jam and Thwaconite had a 12 point jam for the Maidens. Both Nerdzilla and Oh-No-Jo-Jo put up a 19 point jam for the Babes. Maidens’ top scoring jammer for the bout was Martyr Maker with 37 points. Nerdzilla was the top scoring jammer for the Babes with 58 points.

It was a great bout for the crowd. The Maidens hope to see more people with each bout. The Iron Range Maidens is a nonprofit organization, whose goal is to strive to positively represent the greater Grand Rapids area by displaying superior sportsmanship, while giving back to the local community. Roller derby encourages women to be active. The Itasca Synchronized Swimming Team was the beneficiary for the bout. They will receive 10% of that bout’s proceeds.

Each home bout is put on by the Iron Range Maidens. Everything from laying the track, to advertising, to finding volunteers, to playing a good game is all on the team. Please come show your support for the Maidens on August 29th and October 3rd when they play at the Hodgins-Berardo arena again.

Want to help out, try skating, or just want to know what the Maidens are up to? Find them online on Facebook Iron Range Maidens or their website ironrangemaidens.com. The Maidens would like to thank everyone that helped make this bout possible the fans, volunteers, nsos, refs, and skaters. Without all of you Iron Range Maiden roller derby would not be possible.

Rumble in the Valley Tournament

The Iron Range Maidens competed in the 3rd annual Rumble in the Valley Roller Derby Tournament on May 9-10 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. There were a variety of challenging teams in attendance from Winnipeg to Minneapolis. Eight teams participated, and the Maidens placed 4th.

The Maidens’ first bout at the tournament was against A-town from Aberdeen, SD. It was a close bout, but we took the win. A-Town is scheduled to come to Coleraine on August 29th for our second home bout of the season. Come see if the Maidens can win again!

Copyright 2015 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2015 Quick N Derby

Bemidji’s Babe City Rollers also attended the tournament. The Maiden’s defeated Babe City in Bemidji back in March. But at the tournament, the Babes were able to pull out the win against us, and ultimately placed first overall. Our home opener on May 30th in Coleraine will determine the season tie breaker.

The tournament offered many learning opportunities for the Maidens. We are now focused on preparing for our first home bout of the season on May 30th. We hope to show off all we’ve learned against the Babes at the Hodgins-Berardo Arena. The doors will open at 5:30pm and the first whistle is at 6pm. Tickets are $5 per person; ages 5 and under are free. Don’t miss out on the fastest growing women’s sport in the world!

Copyright 2015 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2015 Quick N Derby

Iron Range Maidens’ 2015 Season Schedule

Join the Iron Range Maidens at 6pm on Saturday, October 3 when we take on the Mankato Area Derby Girls at Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine. Tickets are just $5; children age 5 and under get in for free.
Doors open at 5:30 pm. Check out the event on Facebook for more details.

Purchase tickets now.

HOME BOUTS

  • May 30 – Iron Range Maidens 120 vs. Babe City Rollers 140 (Bemidji, MN)
  • August 29 – Iron Range Maidens 189 vs. A-Town Roller Girlz 90 (Aberdeen, SD)
  • October 3 – Iron Range Maidens vs. Mankato Area Derby Girls (Mankato, MN)

AWAY BOUTS

Ending the Season With a Bang!

The Iron Range Maidens went international for their last bouts of the 2014 season. The team participated in a double header in Brandon, Manitoba. Gapland Roller Girls were the first opponents. It was a nail biting bout with a final score of 164 to 178 with Gapland taking the win. The second bout of the evening was against Gang Green. IRM played Gang Green back in August at home, with a tough loss of 165 to 197. Despite IRM’s spirit, with a short roster of 10 skaters, they were unable to bring home the win. Final score was 137 to 240.

10-18-14 Canada (10) 10-18-14 Canada Teamb

The 2014 season may be over but Grand Rapids Area Roller Derby Association is already digging in for 2015. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) announced GRARDA has been accepted as an “apprentice” affiliate of the WFTDA, the governing body for women’s amateur flat track roller derby. GRARDA joins rank with more than 300 all-female skater-owned and -operated leagues worldwide that have united to lead the growing sport of women’s flat track roller derby. Minnesota Roller Girls will be working with GRARDA to complete necessary requirements to become full WFTDA members. GRARDA is looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to be official WFTDA members.

Even though there are changes on the horizon, GRARDA has not forgotten what has gotten them there. The Iron Range Maidens and Attackonites would like to thank everyone who has supported them. Without the volunteers, sponsors, refs, fans and family members the league would not exist. They also want to thank the people that take the plunge and skate with the team. GRARDA welcomes five new skaters and one returning skater after recruitment night in the beginning of October.

2014 Home Season Finale

On September 27, GRARDA hosted their last home bout of the 2014 season. The double header was action packed. The first bout was the Dirty Ores versus the Shipwreckers. The main bout was the Iron Range Maidens versus Dames of Anarchy (DOA).

The Shipwreckers showed their endurance by playing with a short roster of only 9 skaters. The Dirty Ores played with integrity and displayed their strong booty blocking skills. With a final score of 236 to 139 the Shipwreckers took the win.

Dirty Ores and Shipwreckers ~ Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Dirty Ores and Shipwreckers ~ Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

The night was just getting started when the Maidens took the track against DOA of Mason City Iowa. It was a bout full of big hits, quick skates and a little dancing. DOA kept the score within 50 points throughout the bout, but was unable to close the deal. Maidens won with a final score of 219 to 172.

IRM vs DOA Peanut

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

IRM vs DOA

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Northern Lights Community School was the bout beneficiary. Thanks to the fans GRARDA is able to help send students to London. Bout beneficiaries are community, non-profit organizations who receive a portion of the ticket sales from that bout.

GRARDA is looking for skaters and referees. There will be two recruitment nights this month: Monday, October 6th from 6pm-8pm at the Northern Lights Community School in Warba and Tuesday, October 7th from 6pm-8pm at the Grand Rapids Armory. Interested people must be 19 years or older with health insurance.

Come ask questions, try on some gear and meet some derby girls.

IRM vs DOA b

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

The team would like to say thank you to all their fans and sponsors for your support this season. GRARDA is not possible without you. Maidens have one more away bout in Manitoba this year. The skaters hope to see you all for their 5th season in 2015! Watch for 2015 season dates on the website or on Facebook.

 

Bout Day! August 9, 2014

The Iron Range Maidens started out their day on August 9 by skating in the Remer Harvest Days Parade with new sponsor, The Icecube.Remer Harvest Days Parade 2014

Later that evening, the Maidens took on Team Gang Green of the Wheat City Roller Derby League of Brandon, Manitoba.  It was a hard fought bout, but Team Gang Green came out on top with a score of 197-165.

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Star of the North Humane Society was the bout beneficiary, and both teams had fun playing with the cute and furry animals. A few kittens met their new families at the bout!

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

Copyright 2014 JWesley.Bailey

GRARDA Happenings ~ July 2014

By Meggin Wourms

The Grand Rapids Area Roller Derby Association has been a busy group. Activities have ranged from fundraisers to parades to bouts.

The Iron Range Attackonites participated in Ely’s very first home bout on July 12th. The DaRANGED team was unable to defeat the Attackonites with a final score of 117 to 262. Win or lose the Ely team had a great turn out and were a very welcoming team.

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

The newly formed team of Gilbert called Roller Underground, put on a scrimmage at Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival. Martyr Maker, Meg My Day, Nite Mare, and Sarah Whalin, from GRARDA, were able to join in on the fun. A scrimmage is like a practice bout; people are able to come, watch and get the game of derby explained to them.

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

Copyright 2014 Quick N Derby

GRARDA was present for all 3 days of Tall Timber Days. They started off on Friday with a pizza fundraiser at Ogles. Thank you to all who came out to support them. Push-a-derby-girl races were held on Saturday. GRARDA likes to include children activities to encourage families to come to roller derby events. Push-a-derby-girl races are held at the halftime of every home bout. Lastly the derby girls skated in the parade.

Tall Timber Days Parade 2014

Tall Timber Days Parade 2014

Keep missing these derby girls? Don’t worry there are plenty more events coming up. The Iron Range Maidens are playing August 9th at Coleraine’s Hodgins-Berardo arena. Doors open at 6:15pm. First whistle at 7pm. IRM takes on Brandon, Manitoba’s team Gang Green. Tickets are available ahead of time at Reed Drug, Vidcom and on our facebook pages Iron Range Maidens and Iron Range Attackonites. There are no additional fees when you buy online. Tickets are also available at the door. The Maidens and Attackonites will also be painting faces from 6pm-8pm at Coleraine’s Fish-A-Rama on Friday August 8th and skating in the Remer’s Harvest Festival parade at noon on August 9th.

Interested in doing more than just watching a derby girl? GRARDA is always looking for volunteers, skaters and referees. You can email them at freshmeat@ironrangemaidens.com or find them on Facebook (Attackonites). GRARDA would like to thank you all again for your support. Hope to see you all on august 9th at the Hodgins-Berardo Arena.