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.

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.