Aroostook Roller Derby makes debut

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A group of women from across Aroostook laced up some quad skates, put on lots of safety gear and donned new uniforms in their first bout ever on June 7 as Aroostook Roller Derby hosted the Breakwater Blackhearts from the Rockcoast Rollers of Rockland.    Aroostook Roller Derby, coached by Kerry “SMAK” Bouchard and Jay “Jaysus” Olson, have been practicing since October, 2013 with three of the skaters only since February. The Rock Coast Rollers started in 2011, and are coached by Mars Hill native, Brionna “Hedda Flames” Barton.
Members of the Katahdin Roller Kings, Bangor Roller Derby and Central Maine Derby also made the trek up to support ARD in its debut bout. Many assisted, while others cheered loudly for their favorite new roller derby girls. More than 500 people attended and saw the hard work and dedication the ARD skaters have put in to bring this new fast-paced, full-contact sport to Aroostook. Kids were able to participate in a half-time game of tug-of-war against some of the skaters, and the youngsters prevailed twice.
Aroostook Roller Derby played hard and skated fast, but ultimately the Breakwater Blackhearts took the win. The unofficial final score was Rockcoast Rollers 326, Aroostook Roller Derby 151.
Most Valuable Player awards for ARD went to Most Valuable Blocker Dawn “Dawn of the Dead” Schillinger and Most Valuable Jammer went to Susan “Bounty” Plissey.
Breakwater Blackhearts’ MVPs were Sinistral Warrior and Iron Orchid.