New faces, solid performances at Youth Provincials

Lots of new juniors at Youth Provincials bodes well for the future, while our established stars are off to Nationals again to represent Saskatchewan.

With a full report, here's SDA Youth Director Melanie December:

We had an awesome weekend at the 2019 Saskatchewan Youth Provincials with 20 participants! All players played well, had fun and showed great sportsmanship. The event started Saturday February 16 at 10 am and finished at approximately 3 pm Sunday.

All 20 participants are pictured at the Youth Provincials in Saskatoon. No names - you know who you are!

The largest group was in junior boys with 14 competitors. It was a close finish for the boys with a playoff needed for the alternate placements. The winner was a repeat of last year, Joshua Adrian from Nipawin.

In second place was Jaden English from Saskatoon. Garth Camber from Nipawin was successful in the playoff for alternate, and due to having no second-place Senior boy, he was asked to move up to the Senior division. As a result, Matthew Sheppard from Maple Creek will be our alternate Junior boy for the Nationals.

Junior girls featured three competitors and taking first is another repeat winner from last year, Taryn Kristjansson from Saskatoon. It was close for second and alternate, but in the end Kya Scott from Maple Creek edged out Shaukeena McKay of Nipawin to finish second! Shaukeena wins the alternate spot.

In Senior boys we only had one competitor, Cameron Wheeler from Nipawin, who took home the winner's cup and played well throughout the weekend, practising with other youth and adult dart players who were there supporting.

In Senior girls, Rianna December of Saskatoon and Keturah Adrian of Nipawin were the two competitors. Rianna took first and Keturah came in second from the weekend of play.

Three 180s were shot over the weekend; one by Rianna and two by Taryn. Way to represent ladies!

As usual the players were asked to vote for the male and female sportsmanship awards. This year the honour of this title went to Kya Scott and Gabe Lachapelle, both from Maple Creek. Way to go!

Congrats to those who made the team and to all the others who played well throughout two long days. We had new players and a few familiar faces which was awesome.

Thank you to all the parents and volunteers, you made this event possible! - Melanie December,Youth Director

Thanks Melanie. Youth Nationals are in Saskatoon this year, May 16-20.

Saskatoon Deaf Dart Club affiliates with SDA

The league of about 12 new SDA members plays at Bugsy's Lawson Heights every Saturday afternoon, hosted by veteran players Walter Beally and Lorraine Hnatuk.

The annual tournament is on April 13, 2019. You can pre-register using the details on this poster.

Welcome to all!

Ashtin, Angela top of tree at Pines Open

Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert (far left)won his second tournament of the SDA season at Nipawin February 9, with the men's singles win over Jason Skinner of North Battleford.

Angela Aucoin of North Battleford took first place in the women's singles events, defeating Randi Friess of Nipawin, and solidifying her lead at the top of the rankings.

Pictured above right, Angela teamed up with Skinner and Prince Albert's Rod Swenson to win a triples event, defeating the local trio of Laurie Kratochvil, Wade Grassing and Dave Propp.

Jason and Rod went on to win the men's doubles over Dave and his partner Earl Stirling-Brown.

Randi joined up with local player Roberta Wheeler (pictured right) to overcome Angela and her partner Laurie Kratochvil in the women's doubles final.

Earlier in the blind draw warmup event, Ashtin partnered Brittany Lyons for the win.

You can see full results here.
Photos courtesy Shauna Grassing

Sean's first title, Stacey back to form at Pat Copeman Memorial

Sean Shea of Saskatoon won his first SDA tournament January 19 at Regina, defeating Jason Skinner in the men's final.

Stacey Stephanson took her first title of the season with the win over Angela Aucoin of North Battleford, then went on to win women's doubles with partner Shelley Stephanson. Stacey and Angela are pictured right. In the men's doubles, Skinner teamed up with Steve Kristjansson to take first place.

Sean says this win finally gets the monkey off his back after trying out at tournaments for the last four years. "I struggled a bit in the section," he says, "then in the knockout I threw really good darts. I couldn't miss - it was a bit bizarre!"

Shea hit five 180s in his run to the title, during which he chalked up a 12-dart game, his best in competition, and knocked out two former provincial champions, John Brann and Jason Skinner.

In the final against Skinner, Sean says he came up against a mentor. "I was really confident, I was throwing as good as I ever have, so I thought, now it's time." He went on to win it 5-3, which is no surprise to followers of SDA darts.

Shea is a proven winner in soft tip darts where he says he had success for some 8 years in Saskatoon, and he has many more wins under his belt in his other chosen sport of golf. He's been club champion 5 times in the last 8 years at Moon Lake, and still plays lots of golf in what he calls "darts off-season".

Sean now sits at 6th in the rankings, and plans to be at North Battleford for the 2019 SDA Provincials. With his game picking up just as the season approaches the sharp end, the chances are he'll be making a charge at it.

You can see full results from Regina here. 

Sponsorship sought for Nationals

The SDA is looking for sponsors for the 2019 NDFC Nationals that are going to be held in Saskatoon in June.

Zones and individuals can approach potential sponsors using a letter written by SDA President Elaine Walker that explains what Nationals is all about and how they can get involved.

Sponsorship packages range from $50 all the way up to $1000+. Print the letter from here.

Thanks to all our sponsors!

Provincials 2019 set for North Battleford

This year's Provincial Championships will be held April 12-14 in North Battleford.

Zone playoffs are under way and spots are filling up. Contact your zone for details of how to qualify for Provincials.

You can see much more on our Provincials page.

Angela makes it three at Heminger

Angela Aucoin of North Battleford takes her third tournament in a row with first place from a field of 19 women at the Al Heminger Memorial tournament in Saskatoon January 5. She recently won in Lloydminster and Hudson Bay. Angela defeated Laurie Kitzul in the final, and will move to the top of the women's rankings. The finalists are pictured right.

Steve Kristjansson won the men's singles on home turf over Jason Skinner of Battleford (left). That puts those two players in a tie at the top of the men's rankings. Forty-one men played at the Heminger this year.

Men's doubles champs are Curt Gamble of Moose Jaw and his partner John Brann of Regina, pictured right, who repeat last year's victory and win this title for the third time (2013).

Women's doubles goes to Laurie Kitzul and Rianna December, both Saskatoon, pictured left.

It's a welcome sight to see Laurie back to winning ways after some time off. Laurie was also voted most sporting woman in a player poll. Men's sportsmanship award goes to Finn Petersen. You can see full results here. 

Photos courtesy Elaine Walker, Wayne Hudson. View the pictures full size by (Chrome) right-clicking, open in a new tab; or (MS Edge) right-click and ask Cortana to show full size. Using smartphones and other browsers, well, ask a kid.

Toy Shoot makes donations to needy kids

With a report from Saskatoon, here's Laurie Kitzul:

The 27^th Annual Charity Toy Shoot was held on Saturday, December 8^th. This is a mixed-doubles dart tournament where the entry fee is toys. Since 1991, dart players have been supporting this great event I’ve had the privilege to organize. This year we had 24 teams (48 players) and with lots of non-players bringing toys as well. We did draws for various items and made $330.00 which is also donated to the Salvation Army’s Secret Santa. 

We ran a food drive for the Saskatoon Food Bank and collected 220 lbs of food! This was our 6^th year incorporating the food drive and it was a huge success! 

Thank you to the participants, our sponsors who donated gifts/prizes and the volunteers who make all of this possible. A special THANK YOU to those who stayed after for tear down. 

Winners were Rianna and Brad December over Laurie Kitzul and Doug Spearey in the final; 3-1 in the best of 5. Lots of fun was had by all and who knew Steve Kristjansson could sing… or can he?? 

- Laurie Kitzul, SUDO

Lloyd hosts five events

The annual Darts On The Border tournament in Lloydminster featured five events November 23-24. Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon made the trip worth while with a win in men's singles, defeating Jason Skinner, and again in doubles with his partner Sean Shea.

Women's singles winner is Angela Aucoin of North Battleford, who beat Rianna December in the final. Rianna (Saskatoon) went on to take the doubles with her partner Melanie Thomas of Chitek Lake.

On Friday evening, local player Damian Rice and his partner Chester Sakebow (Chitek Lake) took top spot in a well-attended blind draw. See the full results

Jason scoops 170 out pots at Hudson Bay

Jason Skinner hit the magical 170 finish at the North East Classic tournament November 18.

He receives $450 from the local club for his perfect out shot as well as the SDA 170 pot worth $175. Quite the payday for the Battleford man, pictured left with his winnings.

Skinner finished cleaning up with a first place in the men's singles, beating Myles Charles of Stanley Mission, then a triples win with partners Angela Aucoin and Noel Aucoin. Skinner moves to the top of the SDA ranking list.

Angela Aucoin from North Battleford won the women's singles event over Lowine Binkley.

Men's doubles champs are Brad December and Ken Cleaveley; Anglea Aucoin and Rianna December won doubles in women's. You can see the full results here.

Skinner doubles up in North Battleford

Jason Skinner took top prize in both men's events on home turf November 3. He partnered Steve Kristjansson in doubles and then beat Chester Sakebow of Chitek Lake in the singles final. Melanie Thomas was also unbeaten, with a win in women's singles and first place in doubles with Rita Larsen.

See full results here.

Saskatchewan Open results

Results from the Sask Open, held in Regina Oct 17-18, are now posted. See them here. Rankings are updated.

Rianna wins in Denver

Rianna December of Saskatoon chalks up another WDF win in the girls' singles event at the Colorado Open November 3. Congratulations to her!

That keeps Rianna in the mix of world rankings. She's sitting in 25th and that's in the World, folks. Earlier in the season Rianna played at the World Masters in England.  

Taryn wins WDF Girls singles title in Edmonton

Taryn Kristjansson of Saskatoon had her biggest win so far with a first place finish in the WDF youth event at the Klondike tournament in Edmonton on October 7.

This is her first foray into the World Darts ranking points. She's now ranked 59. What a way to start! She's pictured right with her winnings. Taryn won the SDA Junior girls' provincial championship earlier this year.

Youth Nationals three months away 

Call for volunteers

Youth Director Melanie December is asking for volunteers to help with the 2019 NDFC Youth Nationals, to be held in Saskatoon in May.

See a poster here with more details.

Sue Shipway

We are very sorry to announce that Sue Shipway of Churchbridge, formerly of Saskatoon and Regina, passed away on November 1.

Sue and her husband Charlie were very active in darts. They both played in the Saskatoon Monday Night Pub League and the Wednesday Night League as well as Legion darts and SDA tournaments. They were also involved in the Golden Harvest. They lived in Saskatoon from approximately 1987-1998 prior to moving to Edmonton where they resided until 2007 when they moved to Churchbridge.

Sue's obituary can be seen at this link. On behalf of our members, the SDA would like to express our condolences to Charlie and family.

AGM winners a who's who of Youth program grads

Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert (2014 NDFC Senior Boys champion) took two men's titles from the AGM tournament in Regina, while Aspen Hall and Rianna December dominated the women's events.

Ashtin partnered with Don Johnstone to take men's doubles, defeating Cliff Culbert (Gravelbourg) and Red Baes (Regina). In the men's singles, Ashtin beat Chester Sakebow (Chitek Lake) in the final. The finalists are pictured left. It's Ashtin's first win at an AGM tournament.

Aspen Hall of Mortlach (National Junior girls' doubles champ '07, Team Sask '08, '09) defeated Rianna December, Saskatoon (currently ranked 14th in the world for juniors) in the women's singles final and then they partnered up to win the women's doubles over Melanie Thomas (Chitek Lake) and her partner Tia Crowe. See full results here

Pictured left: Aspen and Rianna receive their prize money.

Board meeting

At the AGM in the morning, another successful year of Saskatchewan darts was reported by the executive. The finances are in good shape, and we have expanded into a new zone in the Maple Creek area. 

Youth star Rianna December is off to the World Masters and was presented with a cheque for $500 from the SDA to help her on her way to Bridlington, England in October.

(Updated October 12) Rianna played to a respectable last 32 in the the World Masters. Congratulations!  from the SDA and what a great experience for her.

The 2018 Provincials Zone Cup was awarded to the North Battleford zone. Pictured (L-R) are Melanie Thomas, Noel Aucoin and Chester Sakebow of NB Zone. Their eight-member team at Provincials earned the highest average PPP - points per player.

Finally the locations for the 2019 provincials were announced: Youth will have their provincial championships in Saskatoon on February 16 and 17, while the adults will meet in North Battleford April 12-14. 

Thanks go to Regina zone's new director Marcus Stephanson and the volunteers for help with the event.

Team Saskatchewan in tough at Nationals

At Drummondville QC, Jun 12-16, the team from Saskatchewan met with some stiff opposition at the 2018 NDFC Nationals, finishing up in 10th place overall.

Our best performance was by the men's doubles team of Steve Kristjansson and Jason Skinner, who made last eight

The team is shown above in the official NDFC team picture. Back Row, L-R: Ashtin Bear, Myles Charles, Steve Kristjansson, Jason Skinner, Karsten Larsen, John Brann, Curt Gamble, Marcus Stephanson (SDA), Jim Dennis, unknown piper. Front row, L-R: Sharon Acker, Angela Aucoin, Elaine Walker, Aspen Hall, Stacey Stephanson, Melanie Thomas, Shelley Stephanson, Bev Roth.

Full results are posted at the NDFC web site.

Georgina and Ashtin win Provincials

Georgina Ratt of Stanley Mission and Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert are your 2018 Provincial Champions!

Georgina repeats her win from last year and Ashtin is lifting the trophy for the third time. They'll lead our SK darts team to NDFC Nationals at Drummondville, QC in June. 

Both players won by a comfortable margin, with Georgina taking two firsts and a second, Ashtin a first and two seconds out of the three days of competition.

Joining them in the group of Nationals qualifiers are the following:

The 2018 Adult Provincial Championships were held in Saskatoon April 13-15, with 45 men and 19 women competitors from all four corners of the province, representing all 10 zones. Here are the day-by-day highlights:

Day One - Enter Angela!

Opening day saw the North Battleford contingent take the honours. First-time competitor Angela Aucoin dominated the women's event completely, not losing a single match on her way to top spot, defeating Georgina Ratt in the final. In men's action, Jason Skinner of Battleford overcame Ashtin Bear in a second final to finish day one in first. The team from the Battlefords also scored a third and a fifth in the women's event.

Day Two - Class tells

The second day is a test of mettle, and true to form our reigning champions showed the way. Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert and Georgina Ratt of Stanley Mission both went undefeated. Ashtin beat Myles Charles of Stanley Mission in the men's final, while the women's runner-up was Aspen Hall.

Shot of the day goes to Grant Dye of Saskatoon for his 170 finish. Nice darts!

Dart Board meeting

Before play started on Day Two, the SDA called an extraordinary meeting, where elections were held for executive positions. We have two new incoming board members this year: Mel December was elected Youth Director by acclamation; Jason Skinner was acclaimed Member-at-Large. Bev Roth was re-elected to the Finance Officer post and Wayne Hudson retains the 1st Vice-president position. Those are all two-year terms.

Also on the agenda was a tabled motion to change the format of play at Provincials back to the full round-robin, which was defeated by a vote of 51-26.

Sharon Acker reminded us of the devastating loss of young hockey players in the Broncos bus tragedy and we observed a moment of silence.

SDA president Elaine Walker expressed our condolences to Laurie Kitzul who had to withdraw from play for bereavement, and also to well-known Saskatoon members the Schmidt family for their loss.

Day Three - Final reckoning

After 280 knockout bouts and 390 round-robin encounters, the 39th annual SDA Provincial Championships is in the books. Today saw Saskatoon player Steve Kristjansson battle past Ashtin Bear over two final matches to take first place and finish up second overall. Georgina Ratt once again ran the field until Stacey Stephanson gave her a tough match in the final, where Georgina won at the second attempt. Stacey ends up fourth.

Earlier in the day the draw was made for the $1,000 prize on the squares that were sold for the 2019 Youth Team. The winner is Red Veters of Manitoba. Thanks to everyone who bought a square.

The team for Nationals includes two rookies - Melanie Thomas and Angela Aucoin made second and third place respectively. Nationals should be an eye-opener for them both!

Thanks to host zone Saskatoon, SUDO and our friends at the Anavets Club for a great weekend of darts.

You can see the final results here.