No one forgets Hatchetface.
I mean, really … just the name is intimidating. Then you see her skate and the fear begins. Then you get hit by her, and you realize the fear was justified.
Like her team mate, Thrashquatch who was previously named to the All-Stars, I have gotten to see Hatchet grow in the last few years. For a while she was improving, but only in the style of old school “smash n grab” style derby – this year, she has evolved (she’s the derby version of a Pokemon, I feel). She has become a skater who can play fast paced, “Kill the Jammer” derby or new school, stop play, agility based flat track.
Her backwards skating is completely different from the beginning of the season, and even in the last month her skills have taken another tremendous leap forward. She is far quicker on her feet than I’ve ever seen, and her hits are more controlled and directed. Though she won Mason-Dixon’s “Queen of the Box” award, the precision she has been diligently working on is showing off. 2013 is going to be a much different year for Hatchet. She is a strong leader on the floor and has learned to trust her team mates. She has learned that she doesn’t have to do everything on her own (though you do see her slip to the back of the pack trying to now and again still).
Hatchet’s hits and efforts were appreciated by her team this year having also received MDRV’s MVP Blocker, Crowd Favorite, Best Whipper, Most Dedicated, Hardest Hitter, Most Feared and best Duo (with other scary blocker, Thee Mighty Isis. Side note: Watch for her in 2013).
Hatchet and I skated together when I was with MDRV. When she first joined our team, her evil delight with jammer killing and laying people out with big hits always made me clap and giggle with joy. Secretly, I was a little afraid of her at practice. She is intense! She really loves hitting people. No, like REALLY. Since transferring to Dutchland, I have watched her from afar. Her game has matured from wild solo jammer smashing to some really great teamwork and control.
Don't get me wrong, she will still lay you out, but her hits are more effective and she is far more dangerous! The best part about Hatchet is that, even when she is on an serious rampage to kill you, she is still able to laugh and have a great time, which has always been my most favorite thing about her. – Skid Ho, Dutchland Rollers
Thank you to JPaden Photography & Paul McAllister for use of the photos used in this article.
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