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Coaler Rollers gather for retreat

The South East Sask. Roller Derby Association’s Junior Coaler Rollers prepared for the upcoming season with some team bonding on the weekend. The team gathered at the Metochos Ministries Lutheran Bible Camp for a retreat.
Coaler Rollers
Returning players for the Junior Coaler Rollers gather for a group photo at a retreat on Saturday at Metochos Ministries.

The South East Sask. Roller Derby Association’s Junior Coaler Rollers prepared for the upcoming season with some team bonding on the weekend.

The team gathered at the Metochos Ministries Lutheran Bible Camp for a retreat. The 15 returning players were there on Saturday morning and afternoon, and then they were joined by the team’s rookie skaters for supper and a sleepover. The rookies had their session on Sunday morning and afternoon.

Coach Lorelei Lachambre said they worked on strategy and game play with the returning players, while the rookies learned the basic rules and how the sport is played.

“The goal of this weekend is to really come together and not only learn about all the strategies, and learn about the game … but to really have the girls get to know each other,” said Lachambre. “We also place a lot of emphasis on self-esteem, being positive and what it actually means to be part of a team.”

The retreat allows them to discuss things that normally wouldn’t come up during practices, since they’re emphasizing skills and games at that time.

The Coaler Rollers are entering their fourth season, and they have held a retreat three times.

“Probably the most impressive thing that comes out of the retreat is just their knowledge, and that they learn so much. It really increases their confidence,” said Lachambre. “So, we find that not only does the team building and the self-esteem and all of that build the confidence, but they know the game better.”

Lachambre is happy to have 30 skaters, and an even split of 15 skaters among the veterans and beginners.

“That allows us to have full scrimmages with the new group and the returning group, so it’s a really good number for us to work with,” said Lachambre.

The Coaler Rollers first game action will be at the end of April, and they will host their annual tournament on May 13 and 14. They also have games scheduled in Regina, Brandon and Winnipeg.