Saskatoon skaters to represent Canada at Junior Roller Derby World Cup | 24CA News
Three Saskatoon athletes are gearing as much as characterize Canada on the Junior Roller Derby Association world cup.
Everton Slafarek and Vincent Price, higher identified by their derby names “Everton” and The Mystic” had been chosen as skaters for the Canadian squad.
“I’m thrilled but I don’t show my excitement ’til it happens. I’m sure once it comes closer it’ll be more nerve-wracking, but I’m kind of calm; but definitetly excited for it,” stated Slaferek.
“It’s definitely nerve-wracking, It’s a very big responsibility, definitely the biggest thing that I’ve done in my life so far, but I’m very excited,” added Price.
Both skaters discovered curler derby via their dad and mom, finally falling in love with it themselves.
“I started playing pretty much as soon as I met the age requirement for the juniors, so right around when I turned eight,” Price stated.
“I noticed when I was six; I saw my parents play roller derby and I thought it was fun, tried on some skates and I really enjoyed it,” stated Slaferek. “I also liked hockey skating too, (but) I could do (roller derby) all year round it was a sport I thought was really enjoyable.”
Slaferek and Price aren’t the one individuals from Saskatoon representing Canada – Raina Owen was chosen as one of many coaches after competing on the JRDA World Cup as a skater up to now.
“For one, I’ve felt their experience so I know how they’re feeling; for example, if they get overwhelmed because of playing against Team USA which is a very scary team to play,” Owen defined.
Owen practices with Slaferek and Price twice every week, realizing very nicely what strengths they convey to the monitor.
“I don’t like blocking against him because he’s strong, he’s got them lengthy long legs so he can quite literally step around people and I have seen him step around people,” stated Owen naming a few of Slafarek’s strengths.
Speaking of Price, she stated: “He’s really sneaky, he can sneak around and he’s got really good footwork. He might not have the strength to push and hit people but he can sneak around on the sides.”
They hope these strengths, in addition to practising with skaters who’re each older and bigger than them, will assist carry dwelling a medal.
“It’s tough ’cause they’re really experienced in what they do so it’s just, I try my best, but if moving around doesn’t work, pushing through is always an option… but I manage,” stated Slaferek.
Owen stated it’s scary going from participant to teach, however expressed pleasure with the illustration Saskatoon will see on a worldwide scale.
“It’s a great feeling. My first time, I was the only one from Saskatoon and it was really scary because I didn’t know very many people,” she stated. “It’s nice having a family, especially people in Saskatoon that are so willing to support and so willing to lift everyone up.”
Other international locations competing embody France, England, Belgium, the United States, Australia, and Team World.
Owen stated she solely has one hope for when the event is over.
“I’m hoping we’re coming back with a medal.”
They head to Toronto in two weeks to fulfill up with groups from different international locations for some event apply. Then they’ll head to France on the finish of July for the JRDA World Cup.
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