The Good Life – September-October 2014

He was also quick to bring up all the camaraderie
found in this sport, even between competing teams.
“Everyone came up together with a low skill level,”
he said. “We were helping each other. Everyone’s a
teacher and a learner. Even after what looks like a
brutal match, people on both teams will be hugging
each other and saying ‘good job on that block’ or
something like that.”
Harris’ derby name is Biff Quick because he
thought he’d be a clumsy skater and he likes pancakes.
Aker’s derby name is The Wretched, or W for short,
because it’s from one of his favorite Nine Inch Nails
songs. York just uses his regular name for bouts.
‘There’s a spot for everyone’
York said they’re always looking for new people
to join the team or be volunteers or fans.
“Don’t be scared!” Harris said. “We teach them
everything. If you’ve skated in hockey, you’ll be fine.
You just have to get used to it.”
Aker said because of all the training and
conditioning you do in the beginning, you lost about
15 pounds right away.
“It doesn’t matter what build you have, whether
you’re tall, short, skinny, chunky,” Harris said.
“There’s a spot for everyone.”
He said in addition to physical differences, the
players comprise a wide variety of professions as well,
ranging from food service, construction, IT and more.
“Everyone always gets along, both in the
community and worldwide,” York said.
27