Last year’s coaches Señor Wiener, Librawlian and IvanaLeiHerOut are no longer with the Dollies and the team has taken on a new coaching staff in 2017. They will be led by head coach Mr. Murph, who was QCRG’s head of PR last season. Mr. Murph will be assisted by two members of the Lake Effect Furies: Murphy and Bricks Hit-house. While the absence of Wiener, Brawl and Ivana will surely be felt, the collective experience and knowledge of the new coaching staff will provide the team with solid leadership and direction for the season.
Tweedle Dee is a blocker who transferred from the Niagara Roller Girls travel team. Silver A. Sassin, a blocker who transferred from the Finger Lakes Lunachicks, has been playing roller derby since 2011 and will double as a Siren this season. Rachel Tension began skating with QCRG in 2008. She has been a member of the Alley Kats (both as skater and coach), Queens Court, and also dons the stripes as a member of the Herd. Sweeney Quad, a skater transferring in from the Columbian Central Derby league with four years of experience under her belt, will help round out the Dollies’ jammer rotation.
With the loss of jammers Double Barryl, Jules Burn and Raspoutine this season, the Dollies may have to get creative with their jammer rotation. SlamUwell Jackson (another Subzero Siren skater) will be transitioning from her previous role as a blocker to jammer. There may be more surprises in store, as other skaters will have to step up to wear the star.
The Devil Dollies have their sights set on the 2017 QCRG cup. “Our biggest goal is to defend our title and earn another championship,” said Murphy. “We are working hard on improving our on-track communication to build a calm and effective defensive unit… With less penalties”
The narrative of the 2017 Dollies seems reminiscent of their 2016 season. With seven draftees, the Dollies will need to work hard to incorporate their new skaters and work cohesively as a team. This was their task last year, and they succeeded at turning a team of rookies into league champions. Can they do it again? Or will their title as reigning champs be seized by the Saucies or Kats? The Dollies fell to the Alley Kats in their first game of the season 171-233 but will be back in action against the Suicidal Saucies on February 4 at 7 p.m.
~Necromatrix