An inaugural game of roller derby was played on Cochrane turf last Friday (May 29) evening. 

The Rocky View Roller Derby Association (RVRDA) hosted the Home Team Showdown which featured the Rocky View Rollers face off against the Eastside Wheelers from Indus at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, in support of Cochrane's up and coming women's shelter 'Big Hill Haven.'

Valerie Gilmore, Secretary for Big Hill Haven, says it was an amazing evening and it seemed to be incredibly well received. "I thought it was really neat to see everyone come out. It looked like everyone was having a great time and I couldn't believe how many people were there."

Entry to watch the game was by donation only, and between that and 50/50 ticket sales, the Home Team Showdown raised over 1,800 dollars, surprising Gilmore. "It was crazy, and I can't believe it. I had no expectations of what we were going to make, but that just blew it out of the water."

Sheena Galvin, aka 'Schlitz & Giggles' says it was great to finally faceoff in Cochrane and every one was fantastic to work with. "We had a great time; the turnout was excellent, and even the crew at the arena was super eager to help and excited that we were there for derby."

In total 25 players played in Totem One arena, and Galvin is excited to bring a 'Try It' night back to Cochrane this fall. Already having a dozen or so ladies interested in joining the sport, it could be the first step in forming an official Cochrane team. "That is a good start to start up a team, and they would be affiliated with our league. So that way if they only got ten members this next year and if we were going to go to a tournament we could just fill their roster with our players. But we are hoping for a big turnout."

While the RVRDA is still firming up details for the women's only Try It night, Galvin says she is hoping to expand league play. "We are going to just start with a try it night for ladies, but folks should know there are junior and coed available as well, and that is something we are hoping to plan for the future."

Supporting the community is important to Big Hill Haven and making partnerships with organizations like the RVRDA and having dance troops out from Eurythmics Dance Studio help to make events like this a success, and something the Big Hill Haven board will continue to bring to the community.

Several fundraisers in support of Big Hill Haven have already occurred, and while summer will be quiet, community members can look forward to an upcoming fashion show, a night in the wild west, and the second annual MasquerAID, says Gilmore. "It is a lot of work, but we love it. I love doing things like this, and it gives me so much pride in my community, and the whole board is like this. We just want to give so much to Cochrane and Cochrane has reciprocated every single time. This year has been unreal."

We will release details about the the Try it night, and upcoming fundraisers for Big Hill Haven as they become available.