Seasons Beatings with The Hudson Valley Fire Storm
by Clark Thompson and Warren Rosenberg, MetroSports Magazine - December 21, 2023
The holiday season literally kicked off on December 16th at The Jump in Goshen, New York, with Fire Storm Roller Derby’s “Seasons Beatings” event, closing out their 2023 season.
Above: Fire Storm Roller Derby members "kicking off" the Seasons Beating mixer. Photo credit - Clark Thompson
In a sport largely comprised of separate men’s and women’s teams, the Hudson Valley’s Fire Storm Roller Derby was originally conceived as a coed team back in August of 2015 and now proudly promotes itself as one of the area’s newest gender inclusive roller derby teams. Fire Storm competes under the rules of USA Roller Sports (USARS) and operates under the World Skate governing body.
Above: Skating, Blocking, Jamming, and Soul Crushing on the floor as Team Snow Miser takes on Team Heat Miser. Photo Credit - Clark Thompson
In their own words, "Fire Storm formed from that little spark that burns inside all of us. Those who banded together to create this team allowed that spark to grow into a strong flame that continued to build into a passion for roller derby. The three founders of the team, Contusion Clarice, Half Pint Hellfire and Invincibill wanted a team based on the skaters and their love of the sport. They banded together and lit the flame that started Fire Storm. This team is made up of men, women, and people of all genders from all over the Hudson Valley and Northern Jersey. We hope to expand as we share our passion with those around us. We have skill levels ranging from “Never been on skates” up to “I’ve been skating my entire life” and everything in between. “No experience needed” is the truth, and we are happy to help you learn as you go.”
Above: Action from the 2023 'Seasons Beatings' event. Photo Credits - Clark Thompson
The December 16th “Seasons Beatings” featured Fire Storm teams Snow Miser and Heat Miser in a match promoted as a USARS Mixer. When in their normal season, for which this was a season wrap-up, the Fire Storm competes against other teams from the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Posting on their social media account, Fire Storm summed up the event this way.
"What a way to end the season!! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out last night for SEASONS BEATINGS. Dec 16, 2023. To all of the skaters who joined us on the track, you rock! Thank you to our incredible reffing crew and all the officials, we couldn't do this crazy thing without you. To our Announcer, thank you for sounding incredible and making sure our crowd could follow the action. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping run the show. A major shout out to The Jump and their wonderful staff. Big thanks to all of the amazing photographers we had for capturing all the action! And of course - to all of our fans that came out and supported! Thank you to everyone who made last night everything it was!"
