the only haven you can trust

Last night I went to the Everett Events Center to see the Rat City Rollergirls.

Roller derby is an unexpectedly entertaining sport. Salient features: cute girls in skimpy outfits. Outrageous levels of violence and potential injury. Fast-paced action that’s actually comprehensible to a casual observer.

I think the closest comparison would be professional wrestling — but only in terms of the inherent spectacle. And, of course, the silly names. I’m a newly-minted fan of ‘Bruise Lee‘ and ‘Rollin’ Bayou‘. (Grave Danger is the bestest team and you should not listen to fans of other, lesser teams.)

Odds are good that there’s roller derby near you (because I bet you’re in one of Seattle, Los Angeles, or Austin). It’s worth checking out.

Last night’s injury count: EMTs were out on the rink five times. Two of those times, the girl had to be helped out of the arena. One broken collarbone. It’s grim, dangerous, full-contact high speed racing.