It's been nearly a year since a group of women began strapping on roller skates and knocking each other over in rinks around Pittsburgh. Now officially known as the Steel City Derby Demons, the group features four teams and will hold its first exhibition bouts, featuring all the teams, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at BladeRunners in Harmarville.

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Today's roller derby -- usually played on a flat rink, not banked track -- is a real athletic event, even if it is jazzed up a bit with edgy, tattoo-revealing uniforms and a loud rock aesthetic. every skater takes on an oft-naughty name and punky persona. Some of the Demons' best -- or is that worst? -- include "Neo Havok," "Electric Cher" and "Sharon Fluids."

The majority of those who started the league -- about 50 of the original 70 who tried out -- are still at it and better, not worse, for wear.

League organizer Pamela Simmons, who also skates as "Suzy Sydal," points out that swearing is outlawed and most of her fishnet hose is covered by knee and butt pads. "This is a family-friendly event," she says.

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