The Kootenay Kanibelles came out fourth overall, in the first roller derby national tournament on March 15-17.
The West Kootenay-based derby team played a tough schedule of three bout in two days at the Canadian Roller Derby Association national bouts. The tournament took place at West Edmonton Mall and included teams from Western, Central and Atlantic Canada. Teams from Eastern Canada couldn't make it.
It all came down to the few seconds of the last bout. The final bout against Edmonton's Eville was a fan favourite, the stands were electric with the shifting tides. The bout was a back and forth grudge match, with the lead changing several times, and ending with a 158-164 defeat, which put them in fourth place.
The Saskatoon Mind Fox took away the National title followed by Regina’s Sugar Skulls, Edmonton's Eville, West Kootenays Kannibelles, Lumber Smacks of Moncton, N.B. and Fog City of St John, N.B.
Regional tournaments will be held throughout the summer, and another national tournament is planned for the fall.
For more information about West Kootenay Roller Derby on Facebook or www.kootenayrollerderby.com.