Tag Archives: smalltown smashers

Player Profile: Introducing ‘Madame REN Dogger’

Madame REN Dogger #683

Madame REN Dogger #683

Madame REN Dogger #683

Familiarize yourself with Gapland’s very own la reine français: Renée Tremblay.  Born and raised in Saint-Lazare, this 38-year-old now calls Rocanville home.  Previously a high school teacher, Madame Ren Dogger is currently a stay at home maman to her two youngest darlings.  She plans to return to teaching once they are settled into school (and yes, they are fluent in French).

Ren Dog put a lot of thought into choosing her derby name.  She really wanted to show her quirky personality, along with her die-hard French heritage.  Those who spend time with her know that she is always trying to stick some French in, wherever she can.  After mulling over a few options with ‘REN’ in them (stemming from the word French), she finally came to the conclusion to use a nickname her high school students gave her.  With that,  fRENch Kiss of Death and fRENch Onion Soup were discarded, and Madame REN Dogger was born.  Her derby number also has special meaning, in that 683 are the first three digits in Saint-Lazare phone numbers.

Unknown to Gapland, Ren Dog had been toying with the idea of trying derby for some time.  She claims that she had wanted to join for a while, but was too chicken to show up to a bunch of strange women.  How does one say ‘stranger danger’ en français?  Thankfully, the lure proved irresistible along with some encouragement from her friend Ta Mere.

Madame turned out to be quite the derby phénomène.  Not only did she receive the ‘Fast Learning Matha Fakka’ award for the 2012 season, but she also rightfully received the 2012 Most Improved Player.  Hold on, is that first one even a real award?  When you are Ren Dog and you have trademarked the phrase ‘madarfarcars’ it sure is!  The highlight of her derby career to-date was the Harvest Haymaker scrimmage in September of 2012.  Her game sense and ability clicked into place, she was in the best shape of her life, and she succeeded in winning lead jam on a very tough opponent FOUR times!  For the 2013 season, she wants to continue to work on her skating skills and endurance, as well as understand the game better.  Off the track, she plans to become friends with other derby gals (instead of just acquaintances) and get every derby kid saying ‘madarfacars’ just like hers.

Ren Dog divulges that, “joining the derby team has saved me from a boring life [we all doubt this].  I admit that sometimes my kids don’t seem completely human, so derby lets me spend time with some real ones.”  She is unsure of how many seasons she will be able to participate in on the track, but vows to maintain the rediscovery of her that derby prompted.  “She always shows sheer determination, has a positive attitude, and encouraging words for other gals,” says her teammate Bone Voyage.  Gapland is proud to call her our own and we hope her derby journey is a long one.  Cheers madarfarcars!

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Player Profile: Introducing ‘Synyster Skates’

Synyster Skates #6.61

Synyster Skates #6.61

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!

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Spring has sprung!

cropped-gapland-rollers-3colour-outline.jpgsmalltown-smashers

Friends, it’s been a loooooong, cold winter, but Gapland will soon be starting up spring training for their fourth season!  Stay tuned for updated information and exciting news on what’s sure to be our biggest and best season yet!

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Gapland Rollers Present “Flat Track Friction”

Come join the Gapland Rollers for their Season 3 Opener during Rocanville’s annual Community Days!

Gapland’s Junior girls, the Smalltown Smashers, will be making their hometown derby debut in a mixed scrimmage with the Regina girls at 3 PM.

At 7 PM, the Gapland Rollers travel team will be hitting the track vs Estevan’s Hillbilly Hurt. Halftime entertainment will be provided by Rocanville’s own Unaccompanied Miners!

Tickets will be available on Saturday, May 12 from any members of the Gapland Rollers. Prices are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. One ticket gets you access to both bouts!

A block of rooms has been reserved for our out-of-town guests until May 15 at the Canalta Hotel in Moosomin. For reservations, please call Toll Free: 1-877-342-7422 and ask for a room in the Gapland Rollers block.

Rocanville Board of Trade and REDO will also be hosting the following community events on June 2:

• Beer Gardens
• Events and sales downtown all day
• Beef BBQ supper from 5 – 7 PM @ the curling rink
• Cabaret featuring MEN WITHOUT SHAME @ the curling rink

We can’t wait to see YOU there!

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