{"id":776,"date":"2026-03-02T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T09:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/?p=776"},"modified":"2026-03-15T20:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T20:04:22","slug":"fire-ice-february-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/fire-ice-february-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Feu & Glace \u2013 Revue de F\u00e9vrier"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grab a coffee (or an apparently traditional Scottish breakfast burrito) and settle in for a February catch up. This month, the European mid-tier was on fire, with 3 pivotal tournaments: Skate Around 7 <\/strong>in Namur, Vie de bloc de fer <\/strong>in Helsinki, and the Meadowbank Homecoming <\/strong>in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n

We made it to 2 out 3 of these fantastic events to make sure we can bring you all the details because, with the April 1st ranking snapshot looming like that aforementioned blast door closing, the European Battle Royale <\/em>is in full swing. The rankings gap between #9 & #30 is thinner than ever, and at the top, every jam carries the weight of a postseason dream.<\/p>\n

Note: <\/em><\/strong>All statistics are hand-tracked by the EDN team. Don\u2019t treat them as official – we\u2019re just doing our best to bring you the most complete picture we can!<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Namur\u2019s Winter War – Skate Around 7<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We kicked off with a mathematical scrap at the Centre Namurois des Sports-Tabora<\/strong>. While the venue was fantastic, boasting a legendary bar and an atmosphere that could warm the coldest Belgian night, the weekend was defined by the biting snow outside and a masterclass in tactical discipline inside.<\/p>\n

Falling on February 14th & 15th, it really begged the question\u2026How could anyone want to spend Valentine\u2019s Day anywhere else?<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the rest of the world dealt with overpriced roses, we had the true romance of waterfall recycling and apex jumps. This was a rehearsal for the WFTDA European Championships <\/strong>coming to this very track in June; Namur is effectively building the fortress where the elite will fight for their lives this summer. And what amazing hosts they are! Belgium in June – get it in your diary.<\/p>\n

Ranking vs. Reality<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While Namur entered as the statistical favorite, the dark horse <\/em>SAM emerged as the undisputed giant.<\/p>\n

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SAM Surged<\/strong><\/h3>\n

SAM\u2019s performance was a masterclass in negative derby – the art of preventing the opponent from playing. They committed only five jammer penalties <\/strong>and held Namur to just 76 points in their Sunday rematch.<\/p>\n

Pin\u2019Pon (#640) <\/strong>was a wonder & a workhorse, scoring 117 points with a 70% Lead rate. Spoke (#6) <\/strong>was all about consistent contributing, delivering impact points to finish as the top scorer with 201 points and 4.1 points per jam.<\/p>\n

Namur\u2019s Volatility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ninon (#12)<\/strong>, recorded the weekend\u2019s only 20-point jam <\/strong>and averaged 3.7 points per jam. However, Namur suffered 69 total scoreless jams <\/strong>against SAM\u2019s heavy defense. Fresh rotations from #89 (Pulp) <\/strong>and #1957 (Batsmash) <\/strong>provided late-game surges, combining for 267 points.<\/p>\n

Newcastle\u2019s Endurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Arriving on a massive win streak (13-0), the Canny Belters hit a Sunday Slump due to a lack of bench depth. Peregrine (#104) <\/strong>shouldered the load with 100 points, while Hoolia (#2122) <\/strong>earned our Resilience Award <\/em>(55% Lead rate). Pivot Terri Sudron (#86) <\/strong>was heroic, taking passes from four different jammers, including The Rottwheeler (#22) <\/strong>and Eradi-Cait (#495)<\/strong>, to stop the opposition from getting on a tear.<\/p>\n

A quality weekend and we can\u2019t wait to be back in June!<\/p>\n

Hard Block Life or \u2018The Group of Death\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The following weekend the action moved to Helsinki at the Ruskeasuon liikuntahalli<\/strong>. While EDN couldn\u2019t attend in person, we\u2019ve spent the weekend glued to Helsinki Roller Derby\u2019s YouTube channel<\/strong>. (Apparently we still have to do our day jobs!)<\/p>\n

If you only watch one game from February, make it Lomme vs. Stockholm (Game 6)<\/strong>. The comeback is pure derby magic. Absolutely our favourite game of the weekend. Do you disagree? Tell us in the comments.<\/p>\n

Hold please\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Helsinki remains top tier but Lomme\u2019s upset over Stockholm was a total shockwave. But not enough to move the rankings.<\/p>\n

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Lomme\u2019s Resilience<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trailing by 26 at the half against Stockholm, Lomme secured a 145 – 142 win. Light Fury (#29) <\/strong>was the catalyst, providing the essential 16-point hammer to spark the climb. Brutus (#16) <\/strong>and Mapool (#123) <\/strong>provided game-changing offense, combining to become a proper wrecking crew.<\/p>\n

Helsinki\u2019s Juggernaut<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Piu Piu (#931) <\/strong>hit the 16-point ceiling three times. The defense, anchored by Pale Lee (#4) <\/strong>and Joanna Koskinen (#455)<\/strong>, was impenetrable. Gilbert (#777) <\/strong>was an absolute machine, shredding opposing packs all weekend, while Malou (#22) <\/strong>maintained elite consistency with crowd-pleasing apex jumps.<\/p>\n

Stockholm\u2019s Patience<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stockholm\u2019s Party-O (#404), Juking (#3) & <\/strong>Slenderwoman (#530) <\/strong>led a deep rotation, but the team suffered from Period 2 fatigue. Sm\u00e4rtan (#20) <\/strong>was ever the tactician, patiently waiting for offensive setups.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6teborg\u2019s Brains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fr\u00f6ken Fr\u00e4ken (#11) <\/strong>displayed top notch jammer IQ by riding the wake of opposing jammers to slip through packs, backed by a jammer rotation including Fred Finta (#1618) <\/strong>and Chips (#6)<\/strong>. Prinsen (#3) <\/strong>showed out as a fantastic blocker and pivot.<\/p>\n

Meadowbank Homecoming – Auld Reekie settle in<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Our month actually concluded with a quick (750 mile total) trip to Edinburgh at the newly rebuilt Meadowbank Sports Centre<\/strong>. And boy is it pretty! So shiny, so new and so very accessible. We are impressed. Plus that floor looks like the wooden floor of all our dreams, somehow both grippy and fast.<\/p>\n

We were also introduced to a Scottish Roller Derby tradition of getting a legendary Breakfast Burrito after the first morning game (the true fuel of champions that we genuinely missed<\/p>\n

once we crossed back over the border), the atmosphere was electric in this fantastic state-of-the-art facility.<\/p>\n

Ranking vs. Reality<\/strong><\/p>\n

Composure was rewarded at Meadowbank, where Madrid proved tactical discipline wins the day. But it\u2019s London Brawl Saints who are rewarded with a 2 place move up the rankings.<\/p>\n

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Madrid Mini Margins<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Madrid won two games by 10 points or fewer, highlighting their precision and game management. Dame Veneno (#92) <\/strong>posted a 20-point jam against ARRD and finished with 180 points. Pivot Angie (#81) <\/strong>anchored a line that utilised tactical star passes to mitigate fatigue and control the points damage.<\/p>\n

Auld Reekie\u2019s Return<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Auld Reekie was the highest-scoring team of the weekend (479 points), including a 102-point blitz against Marseille in Period 2. Sasha de Buyl (#626) <\/strong>came in clutch, averaging 4.5 points per jam and using lead status to control the clock. Blacksmith (#275) <\/strong>also showed explosive bursts, combining with Sasha for 31 points in just two jams.<\/p>\n

London Leads<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Oblivion Newton-John (#999) <\/strong>set a punishing tempo for the Brawl Saints with 10 leads in 16 jams against Marseille. STRUGGLE (#2305) <\/strong>anchored rotations that secured a 165-148 victory over the hosts.<\/p>\n

Marseille Moments<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For Marseille, Pumba (#33) <\/strong>delivered the weekend\u2019s highest scoring run with a spectacular 22-point jam<\/strong>, supported by the relentless pivots like Crazy Swann (#42) <\/strong>and P\u00e2le Platine (#66)<\/strong>, who were essential in escaping suffocating defenses.<\/p>\n

Steady at the top<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Despite a busy month of gameplay across 3 tournaments, the WFTDA Europe Top 30 remains remarkably stable. While February\u2019s trilogy of tournaments offered plenty of on-track drama, the resulting shifts in the March 1st rankings were subtle rather than explosive. Most teams successfully defended their territory, leaving the leaderboard largely unchanged as we head toward the post-season.<\/p>\n

The exceptions? London Brawl Saints <\/strong>and SAM M\u00e9rignac<\/strong>, both of whom managed to manufacture some upward momentum. Brawl Saints climbed two places to #27 <\/strong>following their performance in Edinburgh, while M\u00e9rignac\u2019s weekend in Namur was rewarded with a two spot bump to #17<\/strong>. Elsewhere, consistency was the theme; despite a standout weekend, Lomme <\/strong>remains at #12<\/strong>, while Auld Reekie <\/strong>and Madrid All Stars <\/strong>held steady at #21 <\/strong>and #22 <\/strong>respectively.<\/p>\n

On the losing end of the maths, Newcastle Roller Derby <\/strong>saw the only downward movement among the featured teams, slipping just one spot to #19<\/strong>. While these shifts are small, they serve as a reminder that with the snapshot approaching, even a single place move can impact your invite.<\/p>\n

Beware the games of March<\/strong><\/h3>\n

February\u2019s results suggest that the European rankings have reached a point of relative equilibrium, with Helsinki <\/strong>firmly entrenched as a Top 10 <\/strong>force at #9<\/strong>. However, this stability is likely to be short-lived. March is packed with even more high-level sanctioned games that serve as the final gateway to the April 1st ranking snapshot.<\/p>\n

The schedule is relentless. This weekend (Mar 7-8) Antwerp Roller Derby <\/strong>is set to host a massive triple-header featuring European heavyweights Crime City Rollers <\/strong>and Paris Allstars<\/strong>, a weekend that could see significant movement at the very top of the table. Simultaneously, Nantes <\/strong>will host West Track Story 11<\/strong>, a tournament boasting a who\u2019s who <\/em><\/strong>of elite talent including Toulouse<\/strong>, Rainy City<\/strong>, and London Brawling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

March concludes with EuroClash 2026<\/strong>, hosted by Newcastle<\/strong>. As the final major fixture before the rankings freeze, EuroClash will feature a high-stakes lineup including Tiger Bay Brawlers<\/strong>, Le Roller Derby de Lomme<\/strong>, G\u00f6teborg<\/strong>, and Bear City<\/strong>. For teams sitting just outside the top 12 for the European Championships in Namur, these March fixtures represent the final genuine opportunity to break the current deadlock. Keep your spreadsheets ready; the biggest hits of the season are yet to come.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss a thing!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Subscribe now to receive the latest news about European Roller Derby delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n

Subscribe now<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Grab a coffee (or an apparently traditional Scottish breakfast burrito) and settle in for a February catch up. This month, the European mid-tier was on fire, with 3 pivotal tournaments: Skate Around 7 in Namur, Hard Block Life in Helsinki, and the Meadowbank Homecoming in Edinburgh. We made it to 2 out 3 of these […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-state-of-play","category-tournament-reports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=776"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":805,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/776\/revisions\/805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euroderbynews.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}