Soonami Slammers flatten Sudbury's Smelter Skelter (11 photos)

Sault Ste. Marie’s Soonami Slammers beat Sudbury’s Smelter Skelter on Saturday with a score of 246 to 168 at Sault Roller Derby’s Summer Slam event on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Rankin Arena.

Soonami Slammers’ secretary Marie Hunter (AKA Wall O'Pain) attributed the win to a slow start by Sudbury’s Skelter who, she says, regained steam in the second but could not quite take the lead.

It was a “solid win,” said Hunter.

The Soonami Slammers, who were joined by members of Cheboygan’s River City Renegades, and were excited to have a chance to compete as a whole team instead of their regular scrimmage and practice schedule that has the competing against each other.

“We’re getting some competitive play, we don’t often get the chance to play different teams. [This is the] first time the Soonami Slammers have had a bout yet this year, so we have a lot of new skaters and some skaters coming back," said Soonami Slammer Gruesome Gracie. "This is really just a good first time [out] together.”

Gracie, who, along with other team members, has travelled around Ontario subbing in for other teams, said that being Sault Roller Derby league, its difficult to get opportunities for competitive play.

The Soonami Slammers play their home games at Batchewana First Nation’s Rankin Arena and practice two or three times a week at the Garden River Recreation Centre and Tarentorus Sports Club.

Hunter says the team, whose players age from 18 into their late 40s, are actively looking to recruit players.

“We’re always looking for new members. It’s a very challenging sport, but its very fulfilling and its fun. Every girl that comes out and actually gives it [a decent try] just loves it,” says Hunter.

Interested persons can visit here for more information about joining.

The Soonami Slammers will be having a fundraising carwash some time in August, and on August 22 will be playing the River City Renegades Mackinaw City, Michigan.

(PHOTO: Sault Ste. Marie’s Soonami Slammers and Sudbury’s Smelter Skelter pose for a group photo after the Summer Slam event on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Rankin Arena. Jeff Klassen for SooToday)