By Angela Hill

Derby girls seek fresh meat

Mar 14, 2011 | 6:30 AM

The image of roller derby is women wearing fishnets and roller skates, but leagues are more than just that.

“It’s more than just fishnets and women in booty shorts,” said Trena Hoffus-Preston, who goes by Madam MILF when she skates with the Prince Albert Women’s Roller Derby League.

The nicknames are an important part of derby — the women select their names and register them on an international roster. No two roller derby players can have the same name or even ones that are very similar.

“A lot of people have the stereotypical vision of us being just chicks in fishnets that go out and skate, it’s an actual physical, physical sport,” she said.

“You got to be prepared for some aches and pains and some bruises. I’m just recovering from a broken shoulder, you’ve just got to get out there and be fearless.”

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It’s also not just about being tough, said Katrina, “Supertramp” Zimbaluk.

“You’d like to think that it’s all girls who are badass and tattooed. When I started I was tattooed, but I’m not badass at all,” she said.

“I’m the type of girl that if you make fun of me or call me a name, I’ll cry. I’m not hard core, I’ve never fought before I’ve never done anything like that and I’ve never played any sport before. This is a sisterhood, it’s a family. It’s something more than just a sport.”

Pauline “Slinkie” Medernach is management at Wheel A While Roller Rink in Prince Albert, where the league has its home.

She started as a trick skater about 29 years before the roller derby league began here, and she said it’s fun to skate with the league girls.

“I’m still kind of unsure, but it’s fun and I like it, I can’t really say I love the derby, but I like it and as for skating? I love it.”

The league kicked off with about 20 women early last fall and now they are looking to build their ranks.

The fresh meat night is going to be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the rink.

Zimbaluk said she hopes people come out to see what it is about.

All women over the age of 18 are welcome and there are nurses, teachers and saleswomen in the league already, she said.

“I think that that’s the maybe hurdle we’ve had in roller derby. Everyone thinks that are not badass enough to do it and everyone is badass enough to do it, you just need to find that inner woman strength and you are able to do it.”

For more information email princealbertrollerderby@gmail.com

To view more pictures from their practice, visit the photo gallery.

ahill@panow.com