May | 2013 | Gapland Rollers

May 23 2013

Player Profile: Introducing ‘Synyster Skates’

Synyster Skates #6.61

In non-derby life, you can call this Smalltown Smasher Paighton Cozens. She got some help choosing her derby name from one of our league founders, Knucklebones. “My favorite band is Avenged Sevenfold and their guitarist’s name is Synyster Gates,” she says. Seems like fate. As for her number, Synyster says that it took her exactly 6.61 minutes to realize she wanted to play derby.

Synyster has grown up in Rocanville and works part-time at one of our platinum sponsors, Borderland Co-op. Lucky for us, she’s only in grade 10 at Rocanville High School, meaning there are many derby years left in her career.

What brought her to Gapland? “Echo Chase (Sweet Poison) pretty much forced my butt out onto the track. I’m so glad she did, derby has changed my life a lot.” Synyster loves all positions and yes, she really is that positive, all the time. For the upcoming season, she wants to work on all of her skills and be the best that she possibly can. Off the track, she wants to maintain great relationships with all the derby girls. Synyster also wants to bring more attention to GRDL and get our name out there. Did I mention she’s also on the art committee? This gal is overflowing with different talents!

Synyster is always willing to help out wherever she is needed. In the 2012 season she received the ‘Momma Duck Award’. She always has time to mentor the younger (or older!) girls and lend her experience. “The very first practice I went to, Synyster helped teach me all the basics,” says Farm Fatale. “I don’t think I would have been so hooked if it hadn’t been for her.” Gapland is more than excited for her involvement on and off the track in the years to come.

You can see Synyster Skates #6.61 at the Spring Showdown on Saturday, May 25. The Smalltown Smashers take the track at 5:00 p.m. See you there!

Tagged 2013 season, player profiles, smalltown smashers

May 19 2013

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get your tickets!

Only 6 Days Until the SPRING SHOWDOWN!

Make sure to get your advance tickets for the Spring Showdown for only $10!! You can email gaplandrollers@gmail.com, write on the Facebook event wall, leave a comment on here, or talk to any Gapland skater!

In the meantime, check out the two bands that will be providing us with some rocking entertainment: The Basement Bohemians and The Unccompanied Miners.

Want to get into the Spring Showdown bouts for free?? Let us know if you are interested in volunteering during the day! There are lots of different jobs to do including selling our fabulous Gapland merchandise, working the door, or being a non-skating official.

Tagged 2013 season, spring showdown

May 13 2013

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Player Profiles

Player Profile: Introducing ‘hELLbilly Deluxe’

hELLbilly Deluxe #47

Commonly known as Ellie Reid, this Gapland Roller was born, raised, and resides in Rocanville, SK. Her derby name stemmed from the Brooks & Dunn song ‘Hillbilly Deluxe’. “This is a great song,” she says. “It’s all about having a good time in a small town.” She then put her own spin on it, working in her first name.

How did she come to call the Gapland Rollers home? It was mostly curiosity. She was looking for a new summer sport (since drinking beer and hitting a ball now and then at slowpitch can’t really be considered a sport). Lucky for us, roller derby seemed interesting to her and was something new in the community for women.

hELLbilly’s on-track goal for the upcoming season is to increase her speed and agility, as well as to feel comfortable jamming if the team needs her. Her off-track goal is to increase roller derby awareness in the surrounding area. “It’s here, come and see!” She does an excellent job of this, serving as the Gapland Roller Derby League President.

The biggest highlight in her derby career happened two years ago. ‘Doom Cookie’ referred to her as being a one woman wrecking crew and ‘Kitty Militia’ found her after a game to compliment her on her blocking skills. Words of praise from these veteran players of the Pile O’ Bones Derby Club are definitely well deserved by our hELLbilly. She is an irreplaceable force on the Gapland Rollers.

hELL is a mother to 1 year old ‘hELL Baby’ and is also a travel counselor for Tourism Saskatchewan. Bored and want to know where to explore in this province? She is your go-to gal. Feel free to drop in on her at the Visitor Reception Center on the #1 Hwy at the Manitoba border.

“Derby has changed my life. I’m a happier, more confident person since I found derby. I’m thankful every day that I can be involved in a sport that makes me feel good about myself.”