South West Wizards to contest state championship for roller hockey this weekend

The growing Capes roller hockey scene will face a major challenge this weekend at the state championships in Perth. In-line skaters from Margaret River and Dunsborough have formed the South West Wizards who are set to take on an impressive line-up of WA teams at the Midvale Speed Dome on Saturday, June 17. Wizards coach John Bowskill said his players had prepared well for the contest. “The quality of players in the South West region is high, and I think they will be a real surprise package at the tournament and a genuine prospect of becoming the state champions,” he said. “We have been running an extra training session down here in Margs’ at the local rec centre, really pushing the limits of these players, and the results have been very exciting. “With roller sports in the South West growing, we are hoping to bring the heat and ignite the hockey fire in the South West.” So far a men’s team has formed based on members drawn from the existing Margaret River and Dunsborough hockey league clubs, but more teams were in the pipeline. The increased popularity of the sport has also led to a call for new recruits interested in getting their skates on and learning competitive skills. Recruiter Jacque Ashworth from the Concrete Club encouraged those interested to get along to the club’s new intake night on Thursday, June 22, at the Margaret River Recreation Centre from 7.30pm. “Our roller derby league now has a full junior team as well as an adult team,” she said. “And we are hoping to be able to grow the Margies Bandicoots Hockey League in the same way. “The growth of regional roller sports is super exciting, as we are able to offer an alternative and safe community for people to participate in sporting events,” Ms Ashworth said. “With our roller hockey team competing at such a high-level competition it really helps to put a spotlight on our regional leagues. “Regional roller sports have some serious barriers, with accessing venues and general numbers, so to be able to front a team at this level is super exciting for us.” A variety of options were available including in-line hockey, roller derby or roller dance. For more information, contact margaretriverrollerderby@gmail.com, concretesk8club@gmail.com or Ms Ashworth on 0409 821 293.