Northern B.C.’s first roller derby travel team, the Northern Nomads, hits the track and sparks a surge of momentum, inclusion and competitive spirit.
A New Era Rolls In
Roller derby in northern B.C. just hit high gear. The Northern Nomads the first-ever travel team under the Northwest B.C. Roller Derby League are officially rolling. And now the sport is gaining real traction across the region. Excitement is rising fast, and energy is buzzing louder than wheels on fresh track.
Community Power on Wheels
Right from the start, the goal was clear. Build a strong rec league. Bring distant communities together. And keep the momentum going. So the league united four teams:
Bulkley Valley Bruisers in Smithers, Northcoast Nightmares in Terrace, Coastal Crushers in Kitimat, and Burns Lake Body Count. Each team brought heart, drive and talent. As interest grew, so did demand for higher-level competition. And naturally, the idea of a travel team took shape.
Decision Day and a Big Yes
On October 19, the league board voted unanimously to make the Nomads official. They agreed on everything management, policies, staff and funding strategies. Members also voted on the team name, choosing Northern Nomads from a shortlist. That choice felt right. After all, the skaters travel far and chase big challenges.
From Local Rinks to Larger Arenas
Once the structure was in place, coordination became smoother. And suddenly, boundaries felt smaller. The Nomads played their first game against the Prince George Thrashers. They didn’t win, yet they launched something important. Then, at Days of Derby in Chilliwack, they celebrated their first victory. That win lit a spark and kept it burning.
Training, Progress and the Path Forward
Every fall, Learn to Skate programs teach new members how to stand, move, stop and fall safely. After that, skaters join their local rec teams. Then, once ready, they can earn a spot on the travel team. The Nomads, however, also act as a springboard for athletes chasing provincial AA-level competition.
Fast, Fierce and Full of Strategy
Roller derby is intense. Two teams skate in an oval. Five players per side hit the track. One is the jammer. The other four are blockers. The jammer, marked with a star, tries to lap rivals to score points. Meanwhile, blockers defend hard while helping their own jammer break through. Speed matters. Balance counts. But strategy wins games. So every player must think quickly and move even faster.
More Than a Sport It’s a Culture
According to league president and skater Nadine Cunningham, roller derby isn’t defined by its scoreboard. Instead, it thrives on inclusivity, connection and confidence. The league welcomes all body types and gender identities. It offers open and women-only rosters. And above all, it celebrates everyone. As Cunningham put it, “If you have two legs, you can skate with us.”
Growth, Funding and the Future
Right now, skaters handle their own fees and practice costs. Still, the board continues to seek grant funding, especially from programs supporting women in sport. The long-term vision is clear: reduce financial barriers, elevate competition and create lasting opportunities.
Rolling Toward New Horizons
Looking ahead, the league hopes to help launch new teams in Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii. One day, those teams may feed into the Nomads too. And as more wheels hit more tracks, the sport will keep growing. So enthusiasm keeps spreading. And talent keeps rising. And community keeps building. And the Northern Nomads keep rolling stronger every day.
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