The Power Jammers Blog

Recap of the Calamity Janes vs. Boston B Party!

2011-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, the Boston B Party continued their winning streak against Maine’s B team, the Calamity Janes. Boston’s team, assembled from skaters from each of our three home teams, played a seamless game owed to a passion for competition and a high impact bouting schedule.

The first jam of the bout pit Hayley Contagious (co-captain of the B Party and erstwhile Cosmonaughties jammer) versus Alice Saltya. Hayley raced through the pack gaining both lead jammers and the first four points of the game before calling the jam off. Boston continued to hammer away at the Janes’ defensive line, leaving Maine scoreless until Jam nine when Crazy Buchanan scored their first point, but not before Boston scored three.

The Calamity Janes most recent edition, Kissy Kicks, squared off against Boston veteran Mrs. Dash and was able to score four more points for Maine before Dash called it off. Boston’s red wall was almost impenetrable, parting only for B Party jammers. B Party blockers Dixie Kicks, Dreadnought, and Jackie KO worked hard to recycle Maine jammers to the back of the pack while trading hits with Janes stalwarts like A-Block and Lez Lemon. At the end of the first period, the Boston B Party was up 89-13.

At the start of the second period, penalties began to rack up for Boston, giving the Calamity Janes a chance to narrow the gap between the score in a series of power jams. Boston, however, was able to run down the clock by controlling the front of the pack and its pace, often leaving the Janes’ jammers with little opportunity to score. During these tight jams, the penalties began to mount on Maine’s side, allowing Boston to capitalize on a power jam that scored them over 23 points and surpass the centennial mark.

The last jam of the night started in a power jam for Kissy Kicks of Maine, but with two Calamity Janes blockers in the box, the B Party held her until their own jammer, Robot Unicorn Attack, exited the box and leapt into the pack and initiated a star pass to Mona Mour who quickly raced through the track on a jam that scored fourteen points (which Pelvis believed was actually eighteen, back him up or tell him he's wrong) bringing the final score to 188-41.

The MVPs for the bout were Kissy Kicks for Maine, Mrs. Dash for the Boston B Party.

Headed to Regionals

2010-09-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hi, folks. We're packing up our cars, hugging our loved ones and headed SouthWest to White Plains, NY for Derby in the Burbs, A.K.A. The Eastern Regionals Tournament.

It's a been a long ride for the Boston Massacre, who have weathered the injury of their star-blocker, tough bouts against OLY, Rose City, Gotham, and Windy City, but dominated many of their other games. The losses of this season against higher-ranked opponents were a tremendous opportunity to learn, and the Massacre has sharpened their defensive work, spearheaded by the talented and sharp Maura Buse. Captain Claire D. Way has shaken off some of the rink dust of the previous season, consistently upping the ante on the jammer line, while skating clean. Speaking of skating clean, Krushpuppy's game has improved in recent months, giving her the opportunity to put her speed to full use.

We've talked about Lil' Paine, Harley Quinn, and Pina Collidah's work in the pack on Power Jammers all season. Coming into this weekend, a well-schooled Massacre with a rested and healed Shattered face Montreal first, and then could go on to face Charm City. While Montreal seems to improve with every game, the Massacre should be looking for nothing less than a giant blow-out to add some psychological "umph" to their presence at Regionals. Montreal's going to bring it, though. It's going to be an awesome bout, but I know the Boston crowd at Regionals and watching at home will be looking for some dominant plays, so get on it, Fevah.

Do it for Jake, ladies!

Also coming to the dance are the Rhode Island Riveters. The Riveters have had a crazy season, their first game against Boston saw an anemic roster take on the Massacre in a truly hard game. Nevertheless, the Riveters have been persevering and taking a similar approach to their game as BDD has all season. Near wins at ECDX and abroad have made the team stronger, and showing that they are still one of the best in our region. Wins against DC and Nashville were celebratory events that put the Riveters in a good position. They're facing Dutchland, to whom they lost two weeks ago. However, injuries and other issues saw a different team face Dutchland, so this one is a toss-up that leans more toward Rhode Island.

Jetta Von Diesel continues to impress season, as does Craisy Dukes. The blocking line has been one to watch and what we could be seeing this weekend is one where Power Jammers favorite, Baby Fighterfly, along with her teammates, give the East Coast something chew on.

And while there are so many games this weekend, Power Jammers will be involved in almost all of them. Look for Pelvis and Lady O on camera on DNN, Bender text-casting, and Johnny Deep popping around the tournament, laughing at jerks.

Pelvis is actually writing stuff...

2010-06-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

We're going to have a fresh new podcast for you next week, an extravaganza that will chronicle awesome derby news, Bender still knowing best, and our plans for ECDX.

While you're at it, check out the article I wrote for the Independent Magazine on roller derby documentaries. I give my props to the five films I feel chronicle WFTDA's history.

Super Logo Contest 100%!

2010-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

As we work to improve our site, one of the things we've realized is that we don't have a logo. DNN's got theirs, every league is looking pretty. But what about Power Jammers? Señor Macho Solo's six-pack aside, we're using all our ideas on other projects. So, what do we do? We ask you to make it for us.

We're asking for a rocking logo that will be used both on our site and our podcast page on iTunes. Wait what? Yeah, we're bowing to the public opinion and throwing the podcast into iTunes which will allow you to subscribe and get the podcast when you want it. No more waiting for us to tell you it's at the site. Apparently, you're really busy and don't want us to give you personalized notes all the time, like your mom did at the bottom of your lunch bag.

What do you win?

Two VIP tickets to the league of your choice. We could say Boston, but what incentive is that to the people of Portland, Maine or Essex Junction, Vermont? You all don't care. The submissions should be sent to Pelvis_Costello@powerjammers.net.

The Contest deadline is May 20th.

Get cracking.

Interview with Ariel Attack (CMRD)

2010-04-14T10:10:00.001-07:00

Pelvis interviewed Ariel Attack from CMRD about their season opener, their upcoming bout against ManchVegas, and the future of their league.

We had almost forgot

2010-04-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend, Power Jammers went to Albany, New York to see the Empire Skate Troopers take on the Boston B Party. While you can download the podcast in our podcast section (Mon Mour brings it up), here is some multimedia funk for you.

Here's a photoset from me, but I will admit that I spent more time calling the action.

Awesome, more comprehensive photos on Facebook, here and here.

And check these out! One thing about New England fans and family is that they will film and cheer at the same time:

Interview with the Rev at MDC and pictures.

2010-04-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hayley interviews the Rev

And click here for the pictures Jack Hammered took at MDC3.

Power Jammers outtake

2010-03-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

What the hell? Click here for the context.

Poll Results

2010-03-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

The poll results are in! Thank you to everyone who took their time to fill out one, tiny question. Here are the results:

So, basically, we all admit that booing is here to stay, although 25% of people seem to really like it. Thanks fort keeping this stuff interactive folks. We'll be talking about this as we record tonight's podcast.

WHERE IS THE PACK?

2010-03-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

In addition to doing the the bout recap, I also shot any journalistic integrity I had accrued by being a loud sportsfan who wanted twenty feet called on everyone who was not in the pack as pointed out by the head ref.

I think the Dames heard me, making the point moot, but man, I need to shut up. or not.

New Survey

2010-03-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

To go along with today's podcast, we want to hear from you. Do you think roller derby fans booing is a good or bad thing? Click here to take survey.

Oh, and check this outtake about the Reverend Al Mighty taking care of business.

The Montreal Contrabanditas vs. the Boston B Party video.

2010-03-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

On the last Bender's Knows Best (March 2nd edition), we mentioned another tie game that went into an overtime jam that was unreal. Here it is:

This video was taken by JohnnyCapote. Three-Day Bender "still gets chills" whenever watching this. If you experience these chills, get a sweater. You're freezing.

Brawl of Justice Charity Bout in Providence, Rhode Island

2010-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Providence Roller Derby, a league filled with rough and tumble heart-breakers, have some of the biggest hearts imaginable. On Sunday, March 7th, 2009, they will be playing in a charity scrimmage benefiting the Soujourner House. While things may get physical on the roller derby track, domestic violence should never be tolerated. Come out to support this great cause and watch the Scarlett Avengers take on the X-Women.

Ticket price is a minimum donation of $5. You can get more information by going to providencerollerderby.com.

We're on Facebook, check it out.

2010-03-02T09:33:00.001-08:00

Stand up and be counted.

Bout recap forthcoming.

2010-03-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

The podcast studio is under major repair this week after my coffee cup attempted to ghostwrite a blog entry on Saturday morning. The end-result, a machine that's behaving as though it had a stroke. New updates will be posted later this week.

For those of you who were not in attendance at the Sold Out Boston Doubleheader, here are the scores:

Bout One:
Providence 41 (MVP: Craisy Dukes)
Boston 170 (MVP: Claire D. Way)

Bout Two:
Cosmonaughties 65 (MVP: Splitter Noggin)
Wicked Pissahs 177 (MVP: Ivanna Shankabitch)

We'll get you an audio update and new podcast soon.

-Pelvis

Boston Season Doubleheader

2010-02-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, the Boston Derby Dames kick off their season with a doubleheader that just screams "Thank You" to all New England derby lovers as the Rhode Island Riveters take on the Boston Massacre, and hometown heroes The Wicked Pissahs take on the much-beloved Cosmonaughties.

Bout One (starts at 5PM)
The year off-season has been a trans-formative one for both Boston and Providence as some of the mainstays for the travel teams have retired or transferred and new blood has swelled the ranks of these two sister leagues.

The Boston Massacre, rested from their Nationals showing, are looking to showcase their new, faster Massacre against an impressive Riveters team that is eager to show the "Pantsless Militia" that they have no monopoly on speed.

This bout alone is worth the price of admission, but Boston is doubling the value by bringing you action from their home teams.

Riveters to Watch: Craisy Dukes, Shelby Bruisin, Jetta von Diesel, Rhode Kill and Sass E. McNasty

Massacre to Watch: Killary Clinton, Maura Buse, Lil Paine, Pina Collidah and Lois Carmen Dominator

Bout Two (starts at seven)

The Wicked Pissahs and the Cosmonaughties had challenging seasons last year. While both were unable to stop the momentum of the undefeated Nutcrackers, the Pissahs were 2-0 against the Cosmonaughties coming into the playoff game, where the space scientists were able to cast off the seagull-feather cloak oppression and get into the Championships.

Both of these teams have seen major lineup changes, and their picks of the freshmeat have made both teams into very different animals. The Pissahs have shored up their line of intense, offensive blocking with their new recruits such as Bad Person, Anita Bangher, and Annie Malistick. The Cosmonaughties have a new line of supersonic skaters such as Salome Splatter, Jackie KO, and Slam Chowdah. In this match-up, the victors must rely on both speed and stamina to come out ahead.

Cosmonaugthies to Watch: Splitter Noggin, Bedlam Belle, Dee Stortion, Hayley Contagious and Rocky

Pissahs to Watch: Miss Mary Smack, Lil' Orphan Fannie, Mona Mour, Maude Forbid and Trish Squish

Click here to buy tickets. Heck, why not buy a season pass? Season tickets are now available online.

The after party will be held in the Shriners Fez Room. Please buy the Power Jammers crew drinks.

Deep Talk: Episode I

2010-02-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hey, this is Johnny Deep inviting you to check out the newest addition to the already amazing Power Jammers family of products. Take a look at the first, and hopefully not last, episode of Deep Talk...with your host Johnny Deep. We decided to add a little class to our regularly crass show by asking the really tough questions in the quietest and most thoughtful place we could think of. The back of a bar. But at least there were some nice old timey pictures on the wall behind us.

Power Jammers mentioned on the Derby News Network

2010-02-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well, heck.

It's with no small amount of humility (though, if we're keeping score Pelvis has way more than Johnny), that we thank the big dogs of the Derby News Network (DNN) for mentioning us on their Weekly Rollup.

It's great when you get a nod from the big rollers on the track. If you do not go to their site on a daily basis, you must really love your job.

DNN encourages our leg sweeping.

Cass Rink reopening as an all-season facility.

2010-02-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, members of the Roxbury Community, and their representatives in the Massachusetts House and Senate, joined Governor Deval Patrick at the Melnea Cass Rink on Martin Luther King Boulevard for a press conference discussing the fate of the local landmark. After years of the rink falling into disrepair from a lack of funding, the Shelbourne Community Center will receive the necessary money from the state to refurbish the outdoor rink into an all-weather skating facility.

Just three nights before, a community meeting was held at the Community Center to discuss the fate of the rink. According to the DCR chairman, Rick Sullivan, the meeting was one of the most passionate and well-attended one he had ever seen. $450,000 has already been committed to the construction project, which is set to begin within thirty days.

Under the weather-torn roof of the Cass Rink, Deval Patrick said this regarding the community spirit behind the project:

We are not able to do it all. But in the choices we make, we are choosing to invest in leadership as much as in projects; in people as much as in infrastructure, and the leadership that was shown and has been show in this community around the programs, design and the ideas of this facility, and the reasons for it, I feel blessed as governor to support this project."

Among the assembled supporters were the Boston Derby Dames (BDD), who have been vocal supporters of the Shelbourne Community Center's plan, and the Roxbury Community in general. Skaters from the Boston Massacre and Boston's Home Teams were in attendance, speaking with local and state officials about the upcoming project and with the residents in attendance.

Governor Deval Patrick with the Boston Derby Dames. More photos of the event can be found here.

Speed Metal of the local team, the Nutcrackers, applauded the announcement:

I'm really happy to work on the behalf of BDD to help create a potential partnership between our league and the Melnea Cass Community Center. It makes me proud to know that playing a sport I enjoy and being a part of a league I love gives us the opportunity to support the positive efforts of this Boston community. As a public school teacher just down the street from this rink, I know how badly the kids of this area are in need of a facility that will not only provide a safe haven for them to play, but a center that can provide programs to help their growth.

Power Jammers will provide more updates to you as they become available.

Headed up to NHRD vs. GMDD on February 20th

2010-02-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Hey! Pelvis and Johnny are headed up to the Green Mountain Derby Dames vs. New Hampshire Roller Derby on February 20th!

We talked about this in the podcast and we're pretty excited to get to see the ladies of Green Mountain take on New Hampshire's "Skate Free or Die" posse. Looking forward to the bout, and seeing Gang Green, GMDD's demonic mascot, in action!

You can still get tickets here!