Hello DMV Derby lovers!! Even though I have lived out here on the east coast for over 10 years now since my departure from Arizona, I am still in the process of getting my feet wet in the wild world of DMV Derby. What I am doing in this region is similar to what I have done in Arizona, provide a place where all of the leagues from the area can come together. A place where derby lovers (e.g. fans, those who are attached to the sport, etc.) can find a one stop shop for events and things to do on a Saturday night. I have noticed that out here because of the cold weather (remember, I lived many years in the desert with mild winters and 105 degree summer days), that this region truly has a "derby season". I mean, who wants to shovel snow just to get to derby? Well, now that I think about it, there may be some of you who are dedicated to do that, but it is nice to have a season like this so one can take some time off. In Arizona, between all of the leagues, we normally have derby all year around. I still cover Arizona derby, just can't afford to travel out there (sponsors anyone?? Dolly??). Back in Arizona, I would write an occasional "Michi on Arizona Derby" article, but now we are back and the playing field has changed but the derby love is still the same.
This Saturday night (March 7, 2026) is the home opener for Patuxent Roller Derby. This bout will be played at Skateland Northpoint in Dundalk, MD. The theme of this bout is "Cartoon Clash" and I will give PTX (yes, I do have a habit of making my own acronyms for each league and team, you will understand more why when I start doing video again) kudos for the wonderful promotion of this event. This bout will be between their two home teams Salty Beaches and Kraken Skulls. Myself, I love the concept of the Salty Beaches logo, but then again, if you know me, I am into something called "brand name humor". Yes, I like to sometimes make fun of products. Perhaps it was because of all of those Wacky Package Stickers we used to get growing up in the 1970s (remember, I am OLD). From my understanding, they will be live streaming and we will have a embedded link to their YouTube channel on Michi-TV Channel 1. The interesting thing I have found about PTX is that this bout is on a Saturday morning. Where I come from, Saturday morning derby was unheard of unless it was a tournament. But, I am very sure that there is a reason for this. At least one thing about Saturday morning derby, there's more time for the afterparty! Doors open at 9:15AM for the bout at 10AM. I can't wait to watch this bout and get familiar with the Patuxent family, mainly because of a much bigger reason.
This past week, we announced the return of the MICHI-CHAN DERBY LOVE TOUR. The last DLT was in 2009 at Arizona Roller Derby and the bout was rained out because of a leaky roof at the old and now gone Castle Sports Club in Phoenix. For a DLT, I bring video gear in and record the bout as well as spreading my brand of derby love, seeking out rollervirgins (those who have never been to derby before) and other external fans. External fans (who do not have an adjacency to the sport) are derby's most important fans. When I was in Arizona, I used to produce a periodic video series that was like "SportsCenter" but for derby and I would use the footage to make highlight reels that aired in the program. Here, I have no plans to do a report like that, at least not yet. But the one main feature of how I do derby is that I prefer to shoot from the floor and not from the grandstands like you see in live coverage. The delivered product I would put out will likely be more in the style of mainstream sports and less artistic than the wizards at HitSquad TV (yea, their work is awesome!). You will know who I am, just look for the red tartan plaid skirt, the trade dress of Michi-chan Sports since 2007! Some traditions are meant to be kept. The first confirmed DLT will be at, no other than Patuxent! This will be for their May 9 travel team bout against NOVA Roller Derby. This will be an A vs. A and B vs. B doubleheader (you may sometimes see me use the term "AB doubleheader" to refer to these kinds of events). Because this is also going to be a morning bout, I am coming in from Delmarva the night before and staying in Bowie (at my normal hotel when I travel out that way, trust me, driving that damn bridge takes everything out of you). It is very likely on this same trip, I will be able to take in the Friday night game at Prince Georges County Stadium right across the street where the Chesapeake Baysox will take on the Altoona Curve (♪♪ Baseball, everybody loves Curve baseball... ♪♪). Plus, not to mention, this will also be the site for Banana Ball which will be coming on July 31 & August 1 where the BBCL's two newest teams, the Indianapolis Clowns will take on the Loco Beach Coconuts. I will be at both Banana Ball games and hope to do some content while out there (remember, other sports need love too!). I had also found out that on the drive back to Delmarva from the Benfield Sportscenter there is a bowling alley along the way that still has duckpins. One thing about the Michi was I was born in Maryland and lived my first 5 years in Timonium and have memories of the Fair Lanes that had ducks at the time. I look forward to rolling the "little balls" again. Once Patuxent releases all of the details, including exact times, schedule and info on tickets, I will release it too!
Patuxent just came off of three games at the Centre of the Universe tournament in State College, PA beating Paranormal Posse 183~124 and Team Biscuit 209~111 while taking a loss to Shock & Awe, 178~141. I just posted on DMVDerby.com info on a tournament in June being hosted by Wilkes-Barre Scranton Roller Derby which will include several (B) teams from the DMVDerby District including Patuxent, as well as NOVA and Frederick Roller Derby. Patuxent's travel teams will be heading out of state again on March 21 for an "AB doubleheader" (A vs. A and B vs. B) against Schuylkill County. This will be in Pottsville, PA. If you are ready for the roadtrip, we have the ticket link at DMVDerby.com!
On March 14, the focus will be in Virginia where NOVA Roller Derby will present its "Pi Day Special". This event will feature a short introduction to their rookie skaters and then two mashup bouts for B/C level (Apple Cobblers vs. Radii Rebels) and then A/B level (Key Lime Crimes vs. Diameter Demons). This event will start at 12 noon at the Dulles Sportsplex in Sterling, VA. We have the link to purchase tickets at DMVDerby.com.
Finally, on March 21 in southern Maryland, the 301 Derby Dames will be hosting Morgantown from West Virginia. This bout will be at the Charles County Fair starting at 6PM (Doors at 5). I am not sure if this one will stream, but I will be looking out for it.
The only thing I ask of derby leagues is please post your final scores! This is very important to the history of our game. Also, please do not use Facebook stories to post historical data, as stories die and they are never seen again. Leagues, if you ever want to correspond with Michi-chan Sports, have events you want us to promote on DMVDerby.com and on socials, send them to me at staff@michichan.com. Also, if you are interested in someday having the Derby Love Tour come you way, let me know, let's get acquainted. The rest of our DMVDerby District leagues should be receiving an email from me in the next couple of weeks to introduce you to Michi-chan and the Derby Love Tour. I am very limited on travel in 2026, but I hope we can muster up some fun in 2027!! Also, for you Arizona derby lovers that happen to straddle in on this article, there is a Arizona Derby Love Tour stop in the works for 2027, in part, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Michi-chan and derby love with PLAIDITUDE!
Until we chat again, remember to follow Michi-chan Sports on Facebook and on YouTube. SKATE HARD, SKATE SAFE, MICHI-CHAN, DERBY LOVE!
- Log in to post comments
