Roller Girls

According to Chinese astrology, 2008 is the Year of the Rat. But here in Kansas City, it's the Year of the Warrior —  the Roller Warrior. The all-female league put this cowtown on the roller-derby map when it won the 2007 national championship, making the Roller Warriors the team to beat in 2008. In honor of Valentine's Day, these rink rats are getting fired up for the spring season by rekindling a long-distance relationship. Three times, the Denver Roller Dolls have thrown down with the Kansas City All-Star crew, and each time the Warriors have ended on top. Tonight at 7, the rocky courtship continues when the two teams meet at the Winnwood Skate Center (4426 Northeast Winn Road, 816-452-1171) for a Bloody Valentine Lover's Brawl. It's a cheap date, with tickets $12 at the door or $10 in advance at kcrollerwarriors.com. And what's more romantic than watching badass chicks body check each other, anyway? kcrollerwarriors.com
Sat., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., 2008