There was no such thing as beginner’s luck on Saturday night, at the first-ever roller derby bout to be hosted in Ottawa by its team, the Bytown Blackhearts.
The Blackhearts were bested by visitors the Montreal Sexpos, in a final score of 108 to 65.
Roller derby originally started in Depression-era Chicago, and has seen a renaissance over the last six years, mostly in the States. Recently the trend has spread across Canada, and places like Calgary, Hamilton, Montreal, and Vancouver are now developing their own leagues.
One skater from each team called the jammer scores points by being the first to push through a pack of other skaters – her own team tries to help her through while the opposing team works to block her way or knock her out of the track entirely. The lead jammer nabs points when she laps the pack.
The Blackhearts made a strong start at Saturday’s bout at Carleton’s Norm Fenn gymnasium, and took the first jam with a score of six points.
But the team quickly fell behind their more experienced opponents. By halftime, the Montreal score was double that of Ottawa.
This seemed to push the Blackhearts to make up their losses, and the team saw a few strong rounds thanks to late efforts by the likes of jammers Sister Disaster, Olympia, and Crimson Bitch.
But they were outpaced by high scoring opponents like the Sexpos’ Bone Machine and No Holds Bard.
Despite the loss, Blackhearts team captain Leila Younis (D.D.T.) said this bout was about gaining recognition for derby in Ottawa.
“It’s new and it’s different, and it’s a great way for us to get the word out,” she said.
The Blackhearts had at least one victory Saturday – winning over hometown fans. The event was completely sold out.