The Estevan Junior Coller Rollers roller derby team has started practising for the upcoming season.
The Level 1 and 2 team, which is an entry-level squad that emphasizes fundamentals of the sport, had recruiting nights at Trinity Lutheran Church in Estevan on Sunday and Thursday nights. Their first practice is Feb. 11 at the church from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Level 3 team, which has full-contact games, will practice on the same nights, starting at 7 p.m. at the church.
Danielle Wysminity is the new head coach of the Level 1 and 2 team. Wysminity has been involved with the sport for seven years as part of the senior team, but that program has folded for this season.
So Wysminity was approached by Lorelei Lachambre about coaching the Level 1 and 2 teams, since Lachambre had been coaching that team in addition to the Level 3 club.
“With Level 1 and 2, especially with Level 1, the skaters are just learning the basic rules of roller derby, and learning basic skills, like how to skate, proper posture, how to fall properly and how to stop properly,” said Wysminity.
“With Level 2, it goes further than that, where they are allowed to make contact in terms of leaning on their opponent.”
Wysminity said she is excited to take over Levels 1 and 2, and to teach them fundamentals while having fun.
“It’s going to be different teaching children rather than adults, so I’m going to try to keep them occupied and interested,” said Wysminity.
Once the practices begin, the Level 1 and 2 skaters will be split into two groups for those who are new to the sport and those who have some experience. Four Level 3 skaters will help with coaching.
Numbers are good for Levels 1 and 2, Wysminity said, and they usually add three to five skaters through recruitment. If prospective skaters missed the recruitment night, they can still join.
Lachambre is excited to have Wysminity coaching the Level 1 and 2 teams, so she can focus on the Level 3 team.
“I love coaching new skaters, and I love their excitement and I love their energy, but this was my fifth year in a row running both teams, and I just thought it’s always good to bring in fresh ideas,” said Lachambre.
Lachambre said she is excited about the Level 3 team. All 11 skaters are back from last year.
“They’re all really excited to play together, because it’s been two years that these 11 skaters have skated together,” said Lachambre.
The Coaler Rollers will host their annual home tournament May 26 and 27. A few teams are already confirmed, and a few more will register once their teams are finalized.
The skaters will also attend games in Brandon, Man., in May. And the club hopes to have a few games in Regina and possibly Saskatoon.
