'A huge honour': Sask. product headed to roller derby world juniors

Estevan's Cecilia "Fire Ball" McCaskill has been named to Team Canada's national junior team. (Courtesy: Brandy McCaskill/Roses & Scares Photography)

Estevan’s Cecilia McCaskill has been selected to represent Canada at the highest level of roller derby.

“It’s really an achievement to come from a small team and be able to play at such a high level,” she told CTV News.

McCaskill goes by ‘Fire Ball’ on the roller rink. She began playing eight years ago and says she never dreamed of getting this kind of opportunity.

"To be on a national team is a huge honour," McCaskill said. "[When I first started playing] I didn’t even know Team Canada existed."

Team Canada selected the best 20 junior roller derby players from across the country for the 2025 Junior Roller Derby World Cup in July.

"Fire Ball" was the lone Saskatchewan player to make the squad.

"I think it puts a lot more pressure on me," she said. "But also, it doesn't really matter. We're still the same team and still Team Canada."

McCaskill’s mother and Estevan Coaler Rollers coach Brandy McCaskill says the sport has given her daughter unique opportunities to achieve her goals.

“It's a dream as a parent and a coach to have your kids reach for the stars and to be able to see them achieve it,” Brandy said. “It’s just amazing.”

The mother adds, despite having the title of coach, her daughter has taught her more about the sport.

“I put on skates and play games and it's because of her,” Brandy said. “She's teaching me on different gameplay and different strategies.”

Cecilia says she’s ready to take on the pressure and believes she can be the model for younger players to follow.

“It's a very aggressive game,” she said. “But it seems the whistle blows for the jam to be over, it’s a very good community.”

She hopes to see the sport continue to grow in the province.

"The last couple years we struggled to even get kids to play,” Cecilia added. “This year we've had the most new skaters than we ever have. It's growing."

The 2025 Junior Roller Derby World Cup goes July 24-28 in Brisbane, Australia.

Her team and family have kickstarted a campaign to help ‘Fire Ball’ get to the tournament.

You can find more information here.