Clash of the Cryptids Roller Derby: Hudson Valley Frightmares Take On the New Jersey Small Stars

by Clark Thompson - MetroSports Magazine August 2026

The fast-growing sport of junior roller derby took center stage Saturday, August 8, when the Hudson Valley Frightmares faced the New Jersey Roller Derby Small Stars as part of Garden State Roller Derby’s annual Clash of the Cryptids doubleheader. This long-awaited rematch between the HV Frightmares and NJ SmallStars, hosted by Garden State Roller Derby at the Inline Skating Club of America in North Arlington, NJ, was a hard-fought battle from the opening whistle. Opening the double-header prior to the adult main event, the Hudson Valley Frightmares battled the New Jersey Small Stars in a fast-paced, hard-hitting contest featuring top young skaters aged 9 to 17 from across the tri-state area.

The Frightmares, the junior program affiliated with Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby, have been developing young skaters in the Hudson Valley for more than a decade. The program emphasizes both competitive roller derby and the skills that come with being part of a team.

With the Hudson Valley and New Jersey programs continuing to build their junior rosters and competitive experience, the August 8 meeting offered another chapter in the growing regional roller derby community, and a fitting opening to one of Garden State Roller Derby's most entertaining annual events.

For the Hudson Valley Frightmares, the appearance provided an opportunity for the young skaters to test themselves against competition from outside the Hudson Valley. The New Jersey Small Stars, meanwhile, represented the host state's junior derby community in front of a home-area crowd. Against the Small Stars of New Jersey Roller Derby, the Frightmares faced a spirited opponent in a bout filled with quick skating, hard-fought defensive battles and aggressive offensive play.

Frightmares team captain, #17, Liv or Die set the tone, earning lead jammer in the opening jam with the score still 0–0. #101 Moxie followed with a huge 12-point jam in the first period, while #213 Lawless Lunatic added to the Frightmares' offensive attack as a jammer. #716 Quacken showed impressive agility, skating the line as jammer and finding every inch of available space.The Frightmares' defense was equally active. #36 Krush made her game debut and immediately made an impact, including a key block on the opposing jammer. Co-captain, #4 Socks played track lead and helped control the pack, while #13 Artie delivered strong chest blocks with excellent balance. #72 Chicky Kills brought the excitement with powerful apex jumps and aggressive defense.

#503 Lil Dead Riding Hood held the defensive line as well as having one of the highest scoring power jams of the game. #21 Lela Lugosi made an impressive Level 3 debut, contributing to the Frightmares' defensive effort and adding another standout moment to the night. Penalties gave the SmallStars opportunities to take control, and NJ held the lead for much of the game. But the Frightmares never gave up, mounting an exciting second-half comeback and pushing the SmallStars late into the game.

The SmallStars ultimately secured the 198–133 victory, but the scoreboard didn't capture the full significance of the night.

For these skaters, many of whom have competed alongside and against one another for years, this rematch represented more than another game. As this generation ages out of junior derby, it marked the final junior-team matchup for some of these longtime rivals and teammates.

The Frightmares may not have gotten the win, but they delivered a game filled with grit, growth, athleticism, and plenty of moments to remember.

 And let's not forget to recognize the grown-ups who help make this happen:

Managers: Rushin Rollette & Rxy Ramalotte

 Coaching Staff: Eradikater & Starry Knives