Calgary All-Stars win roller derby gold against Montreal
The team upset the odds-on favorites in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association North America championship on June 7 in Waterloo, Ontario.
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The Calgary All-Stars upset the odds-on favorite Montreal New Skids on the Block to win gold at the Women's Flat Track Derby Association North America championship.
The match took place June 7 in Waterloo, Ontario. All-Stars co-captain Ruthless Red, an operating room nurse by day, explained how her teammates sealed the victory by killing off a penalty late in the game while maintaining their lead.
The win comes after a tumultuous season for the squad. Some teammates faced border-crossing issues that prevented the All-Stars from competing in two or three major U.S. tournaments throughout the year. In solidarity, the entire team decided to travel only within Canada.
"We had made the choice that if one of our teammates could not cross the border, we all were not going to cross the border and just kind of be a united front that way," Red said. Several All-Stars roster members also play for Team Canada.
This summer, Red's goal is to help fundraise for the team's voyage to the World Roller Derby Championships in Malmö, Sweden, this October. The All-Stars are seeking sponsorships and planning fundraising events, including sales of cheesecakes made by a teammate. A GoFundMe campaign is also planned.
Calgarians can support the All-Stars at the Calgary Roller Derby Association's year-end event at the Acadia Rec Complex on June 27.