As the thunderous roar of wheels on the rink echoed through the arena, the spirited members of the El Paso roller derby team strapped on their festive gear, gearing up not just for a thrilling tournament but to also raise funds for Toys for Tots in a Holiday-themed extravaganza of athleticism and charity. 

The El Paso Roller Derby hosted Roller Derby Winter Wonderland Nov 11. The yuletide themed event took place at the Nations Tobin Recreation Center at 6 pm.  

“We do a yearly fundraiser to help benefit Toys for Tots,” said head of PR for the El Paso Roller Derby Araceli Granados. “We asked local businesses to donate gifts for the raffle baskets and we collect toys. Everyone who brings a toy donation will be entered into the raffle.” 

One highlight of the night was the female matchup of the Bad Santas versus the Naughty Elves. In the first half, the score was Bad Santas with 94 points and the Naughty Elves leading with 157 points. After halftime the Naughty Elves took the win with 294 points, asthey beat the Bad Santas who had 177 points.  

The players on the Bad Santas team were Angry, AnnaMae KneeHack, Biblio WreckYa, Bonnie Darko, Damsel of Distress, Grim Reader, Lady Evil, Moose Knuckle, Sam, Stinging Bree, Sunshine Slayer, Vonna Doom, and YassMean.   

The Naughty Elves team was comprised of Alma Mauler, Artemis VonClaw, Bruxa Baphomet, Chicana, Chinga Quedito, D’vious Dame, Janeet, Jazmanian Devil, Kim Crashable, Renegade Ratchet, Scarlet Begonia, SmAshley, and Tay Tay the Terrible. 

Although the Bad Santas lost, many of the players were still in good spirits for the good cause the teams were supporting.  

Gallery • 6 Photos

Joel Molina

The Naughty Elves skate at the Roller Derby Winter Wonderland hosted by the El Paso Roller Derby, Nov. 11.

“It’s always great competing here,” said Frida “Lady Evil” Campos who is a skater from Juarez. “It’s a very positive competition. It doesn’t matter if we win or lose because we all play for the same league and tonight and we’re helping Toys for Tots. The main goal tonight is to have fun.” 

Many people in the stands were excited to cheer on their favorite skaters, but for many it was their first time supporting the El Paso Roller Derby.  

“Just came for some roller derby action,” said attendee Izzy Mora. “We’re still trying to figure out the rules to this, but I’ve liked watching Lady Evil play because she’s a fighter. What an amazing athletic thing to be able to traverse this course on wheels and play this game and bump each other off with all these strict rules.” 

After the first matchup ended, all the children there were invited to join the skaters on the roller rink for a “snowball” fight. Children flooded the rink and had a great time throwing snowballs with some of the skaters. 

Amidst the hard-hitting action on the rink, the next jam session unfolded as an open gender competition between the Rebellious Reindeer and the Sly Snowmen, showcasing the diverse talent and inclusivity within the roller derby community. 

As skaters battled for dominance, the spirit of giving remained front and center, with attendees contributing to the Toys for Tots toy drive and eagerly participating in the raffle, adding an extra layer of excitement to the empowering atmosphere. 

The El Paso Roller Derby is always looking for new talent and everyone is invited to join the team.  

“It’s a really good way to feel empowered as a woman,” Campos said. “It’s not very common that girls play in a very hard contact sport. You grow in this sport and learn a lot. I encourage everyone to come and try out.” 

The next roller derby will be the home team championship Dec. 2. The four El Paso teams which include Beast Mode, Crash Test, Bliss Brigade, and the Hooligans will be competing against each other.  

To learn more information, follow the El Paso Roller Derby on social media @elpasorollerderby or visit their website eprollerderby.com.  

Alyson Rodriguez is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]; @alyson_rod1127 on X.