Name: Surgical Strike
Number: 658
Teams: La Racaille, Montréal Sexpos and New Skids on the Block

 

Position of choice:
Blocker/Pivot

 

Gear of choice:
I love my knee gaskets from Neon Skates!

 

Why roller derby?
It’s a contact sport played on skates with a bunch of really awesome people. I can’t really ask for anything more!

 

What is your athletic background?
When I was younger, I played a bunch of different team sports… soccer, volleyball, basketball etc. – even synchronized swimming at one point (that didn’t last long, haha). The sports that I really stuck with were hockey (which I played for 13 years at various levels) and downhill skiing (which I still love to do, but rarely find time for since derby took over my life!)

What other league did you play derby for?
Rideau Valley Roller Girls in Ottawa.

What are the main differences between the two leagues?
There were a couple things that struck me most when I switched leagues… Firstly, the size of the league! Montreal is a very big league, in terms of number of skaters, compared to RVRG. The other thing is the practice space. In Ottawa, it’s more of a challenge to find a good, affordable practice space. The Taz is a very impressive practice space, and I feel very lucky to practice there.

Who are you favorite derby players?
Lil Mama – she is incredible!

What is your best derby memory?
It’s hard to name just one… Maybe winning first place at Beast of the East in 2011 with the Slaughter Daughters. There are also so many good memories traveling with both the Vixens and the Sexpos!

 

Most difficult game?
At Quad City Chaos 2011, the Vixens (RVRG) played the Skids. That was a tough game! It felt like being run over by a truck!

 

Ladies of your stature often make notorious blockers but rarely play the jammer position. Do you enjoy it?
I find it fun, yes! It’s something that just kind of happened – it was never one of my goals to be a jammer. I still feel like I don’t really know what I’m doing when I’m jamming – there’s still so much for me to learn!

 

At the 2012 Beast of the East tournament, the audience was chanting your name for you to jam. What was that like?
It took me by surprise! It made me laugh, and it was nice to feel supported by the crowd, especially since I was doing something outside of my comfort zone.

 

You were drafted by La Racaille, Sexpos, and you recently became an alternate for the Skids. Is it your goal to conquer MTLRD?
YES, why do you think I moved here? Just kidding… I’m just looking to have more fun and more challenges in this sport, so it just ended up working out that way! I am really excited about the chance to play with so many talented and fun skaters.

 

What are your personal goals in this sport?
My main goals are to have fun, work hard and keep learning.

 

(Hit me) Baby One More Time – Britney Spears

 

Anyone you wanna thank?
RVRG and MTLRD for being the best leagues ever! …And my wife for putting up with (and supporting) my addiction to roller derby… I love you!