The Estevan Junior Coaler Rollers roller derby team continued to prepare for the upcoming season by participating in strategy sessions on Sunday and Monday.
Coach Lime (real name Bradley Foote) came from Edmonton to help teach strategies for the Coaler Rollers. Lorelei Lachambre, who coaches the Coaler Rollers, said Coach Lime is very knowledgeable, as he instructs an all-star team out of Vancouver, and he was a coach for Team Canada in the world men’s roller derby championships.
Sunday’s session was held at the Bienfait Memorial Arena, but due to cold temperatures inside the venue, the class on Monday was shifted to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Lachambre noted this was the third time Coach Lime has been in Estevan.
“His major focus is watching your team, and then coming up with some strategies, just some quick changes and some quick things you can do to be able to be more successful in your games,” said Lachambre.
Sunday’s focus was on offensive drills, particularly how to free up the jammer when she is stuck behind a wall of blockers. The second night was dedicated to defensive skills, including reforming their blockers and getting in a better position to block the opposition’s jammer.
“It’s stuff that we can use right now, and it’s stuff that we can put into practice right now, so I think it’s going to be great,” said Lachambre.
Coach Lime worked with the junior team when they were formed a few years ago, and Lachambre said the skaters were excited to see him again, because he incorporates a lot of humour, stories and anecdotes into his coaching.
“He tells a lot about his experience on the road in derby, and the girls just absolutely love that,” said Lachambre.
Lachambre said it was also good for the Coaler Rollers to hear that their current strategies are working.
“It gives them confidence to know that they are playing well, and they do understand the game,” said Lachambre.
The Coaler Rollers’ season will begin this weekend in Rocanville. The Level 2 team will play two games on Saturday and the Level 3 team plays on Sunday.
Then they will host their annual home tournament on May 13 and 14 at the Bienfait Memorial Arena.
Lachambre is eager for the season to begin.
“This is our first year … that we are not borrowing out-of-town players for our rosters,” said Lachambre “This is the first time that we are fielding two full teams that are 100 per cent Coaler Rollers. That is a huge success right there.”
