It has come time for us to accept that this Viking age has ended. After 13 years, Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby has decided to retire the league. Like many organizations in the wake of the pandemic, our remaining members have been unable to find a consistent practice space or rally enough skaters to support a league.

However, while our charter may end, the Maelstrom spirit will live on. Many of our remaining members are leaving the long boats to board the pirate ships of Casco Bay Roller Derby. Our two teams have always had a close relationship, and Maelstrom has been welcomed amongst their crew.

We extend our most sincere thanks to the referees, volunteers, and fans who have supported us over the years. That goes especially to those that helped with the Battle of Bunker Hill tournaments. Giving up your time so we can pursue our passions on the track is not easy, but it did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

To our WFTDA sisters, Bay State, Western Mass, Worcester, New Hampshire, Twin State, Connecticut, Maine, and many others: thank you for the shared practices, scrimmage opportunities, and events that fostered connection and growth with our league and the greater New England Roller Derby Community.

To Boston Roller Derby: Thank you for the practice spaces, continued support, and for pushing us to be better on and off the track.

To our MRDA brothers, especially Montreal, Toronto, Mohawk Valley, Shock Exchange, Philadelphia, and Flour City Roller Derby: Our time together on and off the track has meant more than we can say. Our rivalries pushed our members to be better skaters, and we always looked forward to the chance to prove ourselves against such worthy teams. We hope to see you all again, and we’ll leave you with a friendly warning: if you come across a pirate team from Maine, know that they may have Vikings in their ranks.

In closing, while we are saddened to see the end of the Viking era in the Northeast Derby Community, we are incredibly thankful for the friends, family, and shared experiences this league has allowed us to cultivate over the past decade and a half. Many members will be wearing different colors, but will always have the eye of the Maelstrom in their hearts.

                             No rest until…VALHALLA!
                             No rest until…VALHALLA!
                             No rest until…