Two big events are planned in the valley to start off the Invermere Killer Rollbots’ 2014 season.

The East Kootenay Roller Derby League season opener happens on Saturday, April 26th at the Canal Flats Arena. The Rollbots will play the Elkford Wildcat Brawlers as one of two games in a double header. But before those two teams square off, the Bavarian Barbarians from Kimberley will take on the Cut Throat Car Hops from Calgary. The games start at 6 p.m and 8 p.m.respectively.

The teams will shuffle opponents in Invermere on Saturday, May 10th. Elkford and Kimberley will compete at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena at 6 p.m., and the Rollbots will play at 8 p.m., but their opponent is yet to be determined.

Be sure to bring non-perishable food – they’ll be collecting items for the food bank at both bouts.

It will be the only home bout for the Rollbots this year, “and we have a righteous beer garden,” said Rollbot Jess de Groot, adding that roller derby games are very fast-paced and exciting to attend.

“The crowd always gets really into it, yelling and screaming,” she said.” I’ve only ever had positive feedback from spectators.”

The season runs from April to July, and the Rollbots have added two new killers onto this year’s team — Lynn Schmob, known outside the arena as Dani Giles, and Bella Pain, who’s called Julia Oakes when she’s not wearing her blades. There are now ten girls on the Rollbots team.

“We’re going to skate like crazy and work really hard,” Ms. de Groot said. “We’re working on our strategies and developing together as a team.”

And shaping up is a little easier for the girls, as YPC Fitness Centre in Invermere has sponsored the team with memberships.

The final match will take place on Saturday, July 5th, where a round robin tournament will determine the champion of the East Kootenay Roller Derby League.