Are you lacking excitement in your life? Looking for a good time? Want to take your family or friends out for an exciting night on the town?
Well, I undoubtedly have the perfect solution for you. Two words…. roller derby.
Another bouting season is upon us, and Missoula’s local roller derby league, the Hellgate Rollergirls, want to show you our appreciation.
HGRG is kicking off the fall season with a community outdoor bout in conjunction with the River City Roots Fest. This event, the River City Rumble, is free, fun-filled family event is set for Friday, Aug. 24 in the parking lot off the Orange Street Bridge and Front Street. The excitement starts at 6 pm with the debut of our junior team, the Hellgate Hellions, followed by an exhibition featuring members of the Hellgate Rollergirls at 7 pm.
Throughout the evening, you will also be entertained by the Missoula Parkour Group and DJ Monte Carlo. You can indulge in some Big Dipper Ice Cream and grab refreshments at the Hellions’ Lemonade stand. The Badlander Bar will be on site as well for those of old enough and thirsty for something stiffer.
The Hellgate Rollergirls have been practicing hard all summer. This is our chance to give back to our fun-loving, loyal fans, and your chance to see what the sport of roller derby is all about for FREE. All walks of life are encouraged to attend. Please bring along your chairs or blankets in order to sit back and take in the derby action.
The roller derby fun doesn’t stop there either. We have three home bouts scheduled for this fall at the University of Montana’s Adams Center. Our all-star team will take on three teams from the northwest:
- Spokannibals from Spokane Valley, WA on Friday, Sept. 14
- Taco Kicker Rollergirls from Everett, WA on Friday, Oct. 19
- Snake Pit Derby Dames from Coeur d’Alene on Friday, Nov. 9
I hope to have piqued your interest in roller derby. If so, you might also like to hear that we are currently recruiting. We hold recruitment meetings the third Monday of every month and there’s no previous skating experience needed.
Not sure what this whole roller derby thing is about? Watch this YouTube video to get a quick review of the basics so you have a general idea of what to expect when you go.
For more information about the Hellgate Rollergirls, visit our website.
Photos courtesy of Athena Photography.
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K.P. Nichols, a.k.a. Kill Pill, has been a member of the Hellgate Rollergirls league since November 2010. Kill Pill plays both positions of blocker and jammer for the Brawlin’ Mollies and the All-Stars teams. Watch for #63 at the River City Rumble on Friday, Aug. 24. When K.P. is not playing derby, she’s either busy with school at the University of the Montana or doing all things Missoula with her husband and two dogs.
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Mission Statement:
Hellgate Rollergirls, Inc. (HGRG) is a non-profit organization founded back in September of 2009 and was designed exclusively for the purpose of promoting the sport of women’s flat track roller derby in Missoula, Montana. The members of HGRG are strong and motivated women who train to the fullest of their individual abilities, respect their teammates and competitors, and love the sport of roller derby. Our goal is to promote women’s strength and self-esteem and to create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among our members. We embrace women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and skill levels. Our skaters work to increase their skill through discipline, hard work, and focus. HGRG is proud to carry on the tradition of roller derby, and strives to create a physically demanding sport that inspires women and girls to embrace their inner strength while entertaining fans and enriching our community.