Brew City Bruisers start fourth season

January 31, 2010

Team Maiden Milwaukee warms up around the track before their match against the Rushin’ Rollettes on Jan. 16. ~photo Cheryl Checkai / Brew City Bruisers

The Brew City Bruisers roller derby club kicked off its fourth season Jan. 16 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 W. Ryan Rd., in Franklin.

The Bruisers estimate between 1,500 and 1,600 people attended the standing-room-only match, whose two bouts and halftime entertainment spanned about three hours.

The Bruisers are composed of four teams that compete against each other during the home season. At the first match, it was the Crazy Eights versus the Shevil Knevils and the Maiden Milwaukees against the Rushin’ Rollettes. The Shevils, who have previously gone at least 0-3 before a win, captured their first opening-season win ever, defeating the Eights (108-49). The Rollettes topped the Maidens (92-65).

Rushin’ Rollette High D. Voltage, 60kV, hits the court as the pack skates around her. ~photo Bruce Berna / Brew City Bruisers

There are two more regular season matches, Feb. 13 and March 13, with the semifinals April 10 and the championship May 8.

Roller derby players choose colorful names and numbers for their on-court alter-egos. Many rollers are from Bay View. Numerous Bay View businesses sponsor the Bruisers: Bay View Brew Haus, Blackbird Bar, Café Centraal, Cataldo’s, Classic Slice, Club Garibaldi, Horny Goat Brewing Co., Lee’s Luxury Lounge, Southern Lakes Physical Therapy, Sugar Maple, Sven’s Coffee, and Transfer Pizzeria & Café.

The Bruisers also compete on the road against teams from other cities. The Bruisers are a nonprofit entity, with a portion of event proceeds going to local charities. More: brewcitybruisers.com.