A Smithers teen is headed to the international stage this year to compete in what was once considered a fringe sport: The world cup of roller derby.

Elise St-Onge has been rolling with the Bulkey Valley Bruisers since she was 13 and, over the past year, had an opportunity to train and practice with the Canadian National team before being selected to take part in the world cup. But St-Onge’s success comes after years of development with the BV Bruisers and also the opportunities that have grow out of BC’s own roller derby league and the rapid growth of the sport especially here in Northern BC.

We caught up with St-Onge as well as two of her team mates and coaches, Nadine Cunningham and Anne Kri at their recent practice in Smithers as they prepare for their first completive season as the BV Bruisers.