Roller Derby returns to Winnipeg

After more than 30 years, the slugfest on wheels known as Roller Derby is making a comeback in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s Murder City Maidens are hosting their first home bout tomorrow at the Winnipeg Convention Centre against Thunder Bay’s Babes of Thunder.

"There’s going to be some blood, somebody will get a bloody nose, a cut lip, we don’t know," says Michelle Nyhof

Nyhof, or Portage ‘n Maim by her derby name, started the team two years ago. Now more than 50 girls battle on skates in the Winnipeg Roller Derby league.

Back In the early 70s, the Winnipeg Arena was a regular stop for the co-ed International Roller Skating league and once recorded a sellout crowd of 9900 fans.

It appears there are still fans frothing at the mouth for this kind of action. Tomorrow’s game is sold out and set to roll in front of 2000 fans.

"I think people are looking for something a little more flashy with big hits, and that’s what we can deliver," says Nyhof.

With a second bout already booked for July 3, the WRDL skaters are keeping their fingers crossed that Winnipeg will take a shine to the all female full-contact sport phenomenon that has seen more than 500 leagues start around the globe.

"Winnipeg is ripe for another sports team to cheer on and as an all-girl sport, we think we fit a niche that’s been absent in this city," says Nyhof.