Mothers of mayhem return to the concrete track

The Hammer City Roller Girls are ready to rumble.

The Hamilton Harlots will take on Death Row Dames as the local roller derby league opens its fourth season Saturday night at Dave

Andreychuck Mountain Arena with Mother’s Day Massacre III.

The 21st century incarnation of roller derby continues to grow in popularity, says Leah Visser, aka Miss Carriage, the publicity coordinator.

But for the uninitiated, don't expect the roller derby of the'70s with wrestling-like antics.

“It’s more comparable to hockey. We practise plays and strategies,” says Visser. “Anything can happen — there's no element of orchestration."

But have no doubt — there is a definite edge to it, hence the names of the events and player nicknames. It’s not a powder puff game.

The local league, a volunteer-organized group, follows the rules of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which has around 100 leagues across the continent.