Georgina off to World Cup

2017 provincial champion Georgina Ratt of Stanley Mission has won a spot on the NDFC Canadian World Cup team and will be heading to Japan for the World Cup. Congratulations to her!

Georgina is pictured right after hitting the winning double. Team members are Patricia Farrell (NL), Kim Bellay-Rousselle (BC), Diane Gobiel (QC), Jeff Smith (NB), Kiley Edmunds (NS), Terry Forgere (NB) and Nick Smith (NS).

Full results from NDFC Nationals are posted at the NDFC web site.

Team Sask plays Youth Nationals

2017 official Youth team picture taken May 16

Back Row L-R: Josh Grenier, Dan Arndt (coach) SaulArndt, David Pelly, Jack Grassing (coach), Cameron Wheeler.

Front row: Mel December (coach), Shaukeena McKay, Rianna December, Savanah Solomon, Shauna Grassing (SDA).

The NDFC Youth Nationals took place in Saint John, New Brunswick May 16-19. With a report here's Shauna Grassing:

"The Canadian Youth Nationals is finished for the year. The New Brunswick Dart Association were terrific hosts, the venue was wonderful and the hotel was only steps away. And throughout the four days of play, our team's darts were only wires away. 

Our lack of trophies certainly does not reflect the way the youth played. Luck of the draws played a big part, having to play in a preliminary round in both the Nodor Cup and Mixed Doubles.

Saul Arndt struggled during the course of the tournament. His elbow injury played a huge factor.  His pain was evident to me as I watched him play but like a true sportsman, he never complained or used his injury as an excuse. Hopefully after some rest we will see him back on track.

Rianna December played very well and she, Savanah Solomon and Saul all finished in joint fifth in the singles events. Rianna, currently ranked 14^th by the WDF, also played in the World Masters and World Cup qualifiers. The NDFC is still not certain whether a team will be sent to Japan for the World Cup but the youth directors felt it was important to hold the qualifier.

For our other players, Josh Grenier, David Pelly, Cam Wheeler and Shaukeena McKay, the Nationals was an invaluable experience.

The team finished seventh overall in the Canada Cup and I am proud of our players for their sportsmanship and their efforts.

We were lucky enough to be in Saint John for Loyalist Day. There was a 21-gun salute, free entrance to the museum and Loyalist House and a fireworks display in the evening.

 I would like to thank my coaches: Dan Arndt, Mel December and Jack Grassing. I would also like to thank Brad December and Becky Arndt for their support." - Shauna Grassing, SDA Youth Director

2017 team L-R David Pelly, Cameron Wheeler, Savanah Solomon, Rianna December, Saul Arndt, Shaukeena McKay, Josh Grenier.

Saul Arndt had the honour of carrying the Canadian flag at the opening ceremony, accompanied by Taylor Probert of Nova Scotia

Moose Shoot winners

At the Moose Shoot held May 13, Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon is the men's singles winner, defeating provincial champ Ashtin Bear in a battle of the province's 1 and 2.

Women's champ is fellow Team Sask member Elaine Walker who beat Regina legend Bonnie Lapierre in the final.

Six of the top eight men and all top four women finishers are Team Saskatchewan 2017 members, who used this as a warm-up for the NDFC Nationals coming up in June. See the full results from Moose Jaw.

Doubles winners are Sean Shea (Saskatoon) and Jason Skinner (North Battleford) in the men's and local stars Carol Shepherd and Karen Shepherd in the women's. 

Rianna tops junior girls at Silver Cup

Rianna December of Saskatoon took first place in the junior girls' event at the Silver Cup Challenge held in Medicine Hat April 28-30.

Rianna, second right, is pictured celebrating with the other winners Courtney Kane, Jayden Chiasson and Roan Herbert. The SDA sent our youth team to the tournament as a warm-up for their Nationals trip later this month. With a report from the tournament, here's SDA Youth Director Shauna Grassing:

"Eight youth players and four chaperones travelled to Medicine Hat for the Silver Cup Challenge youth tournament.

"It was a great team-building weekend. Dan and Becky Arndt, Shawn Solomon and I chaperoned the crew. Unfortunately Josh Grenier was not able to attend.

"Our Saskatchewan players exhibited great sportsmanship of which we should all be proud. We have taught them well. There were a number of personal best finishes and even some cash prizes. The youth threw some amazing darts. We are proud of every one of them. On Friday evening the adults joined in the fun for a blind draw. Saturday was draw doubles for boys and girls, as well as the World Dart Federation Singles event. On Sunday, singles were played in each age division.

"Rianna December finished first in the girls WDF event and first in the Junior Girls Singles event! Way to go Rianna. We also had a few second place finishes and many joint 3rds in the other events. " - Shauna Grassing

The youth team is pictured above. Back row L-R:Dillon Dumont (alt), Saul Arndt, Jaymes Swenson (alt), David Pelly, Cameron Wheeler. Front Row: Savanah Solomon, Rianna December, Shaukeena McKay. The team sent us this message: "We would like to thank the SDA for the opportunity to travel to Medicine Hat as part of our training for nationals. We would also like to thank Bill Hatter and crew for putting on a great shoot."

NDFC Youth Nationals start May 16 in Saint John, New Brunswick. Let's wish our team all the best! You can get all the results here as soon as they come in.  

The three-day Flin Flon Open hosted players from across two provinces in six events at the annual North East Zone shoot.

Men's singles winner is Ron Looker of Manitoba, who repeats his win from 2016, defeating Jason Skinner of North Battleford in the final. Women's champ is Alicia Looker who overcame Donna Guimond.

The MB team of Dean Corlett and Ron Looker won the men's doubles, beating Karsten Larsen of Saskatoon and his partner Rory Orvis (MB) in the final. Women's doubles goes to the Saskatchewan partnership of Judy Cleaveley (Hudson Bay) and Rita Larsen (Saskatoon). They defeated local player Gwen Blatz and her partner Jamie McCutcheon.

Chitek Lake stars Chester Sakebow and Melanie Thomas teamed up with Dennis McDermott to win the mixed triples. Earlier, on the Friday evening, the blind draw went to local player Ron Blatz and his partner J. J. Nash.

No word on the huge 170 pot. Tons of darts and a payout of $3,120 means the FFO is still one of our premier tournaments. You can see full results here.

Thanks to organizer Perry Burton and his team of volunteers for another successful shoot!

Provincial Championships 2017

Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert and Georgina Ratt of Stanley Mission are your 2017 Provincial Champions! Congratulations to them both!

Provincials were held in Regina April 7-9. In the men's event, Ashtin Bear repeated his win from last year. Having finished second on Day 1 to Jason Skinner of Battleford, Ashtin made sure of his title by dominating the field completely for the final two days. He defeated Jason in the final on day two and eventual runner-up Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon in the Day 3 final.

Men's winners 2017: L-R John Brann, Myles Charles, Chester Sakebow, Curt Gamble, Jim Dennis, Karsten Larsen, Jason Skinner, Steve Kristjansson, Ashtin Bear

Women's champ Georgina Ratt was equally impressive, winning two of three finals. Days 1 and 2 she split 1-1 with runner-up Cathy Kerrigan of Saskatoon and then defeated Becky Arndt of Regina in the Day 3 final.

A total of 40 men and 19 women competed for the Provincial trophies this year.

The team has lots of experience, and the rookie is Gloria Morrison. Here are the team reps for NDFC Nationals in Saint John, NB in June:

You can see the full results here Men Women

Steady as she goes

In SDA elections, Elaine Walker was elected unopposed to her position as President for another two years. Judy Cleaveley remains as Secretary and Brian Humphreys as 2nd Vice-president, both for two-year terms, also by acclamation. Congratulations to them all!

The province's biggest tournament just gets more popular every year. The Saskatoon shoot, held March 31-April 2, drew 71 men and 32 women players, which is the highest figure at any Saskatchewan darts tournament since 2002 (Main Event).

Some of the NDFC's top stars came out for the BDO-ranked men's and women's singles events.

Canada's number-two-ranked Dave Cameron of Nova Scotia took the $1,000 first prize in men's, while number-seven-ranked Kim Bellay-Rousselle of BC collected a cool $500 for her win in women's.

Dave and runner-up Shaun Burt of Alberta are pictured left. That's Kim and fellow finalist Crystal Chiasson, also Alberta, to the right. 

The top Saskatchewan finishers were Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon, joint third in men's, and Cathy Kerrigan, also Saskatoon, who partnered with Bellay-Rousselle to win women's doubles. Cathy and Kim are seen on the left.

Men's doubles went to Burt and his partner, fellow Albertan Paul Chaytor. In the mixed event, Cameron teamed up with Anna Fagan of New Brunswick to take first place.

Blind draw was won by Cameron and Saskatoon youth player Rianna December, pictured right. 

Lots of local players as well as some new faces from around the province showed up to make it a great event. A total of $9,580 in prize money was paid out, topping last year's total. Thanks go to SUDO organizers Elaine Walker and her team of volunteers for a smooth operation. See the full results 

Karsten on form, Becky makes it five in Rosetown

As the season approaches its big finish, our two top-ranked players showed their class at the Rosetown Spring Shoot with singles wins.

Women's number one Becky Arndt of Regina defeated reigning junior girls' champ Rianna December of Saskatoon to win her fifth singles event of the season and her first at the Rosetown shoot. They're pictured left.

Men's winner Karsten Larsen of Saskatoon, pictured right, defeated Jason Skinner of North Battleford in the final match from a field of 33 men. 

Becky and Karsten retain their top spots in the rankings going into the season's major events: the Main Event March 31-April 2 and the Provincial Championship on April 7-9.

In men's doubles action, Jason Skinner and his partner Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon defeated the Saskatoon pairing of Andy Townend and Larry Unrau to take the title.

Pictured left are women's doubles 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. L-R: Rianna December and Melanie December (third); winners Melanie Thomas of North Battleford zone and Rita Larsen of Saskatoon; and runners up, local player Gloria Morrison and Saskatoon's Bonnie Warn. See full results from Rosetown.

The Youth of today

The 2017 SDA Youth provincials were held February 18-19 in Nipawin. With a report here's Youth Director Shauna Grassing:

"Fourteen youth participated in the event. It was no surprise that superstar Saul Arndt finished first in Senior Boys. He is joined by Josh Grenier of Hudson Bay in second place. Jaymes Swenson of Prince Albert is the alternate for the Senior Boys.

Participants are pictured above. No names necessary - you know who you are! 

"Savanah Solomon was the only entry in the Senior Girls.

The Junior Boys entries were all from Nipawin. Six boys under sixteen competed in the two-day competition. David Pelly of Nipawin was the clear winner. Cam Wheeler placed second and will also represent Saskatchewan in New Brunswick. Dillon Dumont placed third and will be the alternate for the team.

In the Junior Girls' competition, Saskatoon's Rianna December dominated with Shaukeena McKay and Shae Charles, both of Nipawin, battling for second place. Shaukeena will return to Nationals as Rianna's partner.

Saul Arndt and Savanah Solomon were voted most sportsmanlike by fellow competitors.

It was a great tournament thanks to the support of the Nipawin adult players and the parents of the competitors who chalked some marathon matches for the youth."  - Shauna Grassing

Shauna says she was impressed with everyone's darts and that it is such a pleasure to see the kids grow and develop their skills. Well, Shauna, we appreciate all you do for the youth darts program!

The youth team told us that they are dedicating this season to the late Pat Copeman, who spent countless hours with our youth darts players.

It's great to see some new faces on the roster for Saint John. Well done to everyone who took part and go get em, team!

Larsen goes top at Pines, Judy's first

Karsten Larsen of Saskatoon has regained his position at the top of the SDA rankings with a win at the Pines Open in Nipawin February 11, defeating Ashtin Bear in the final. Ashtin (Prince Albert) went on to win men's doubles with Austin Morrison of Saskatoon. They're pictured near right.

Karsten has now reached the final of both singles and doubles in his last two outings.

Perennial Team Sask rep Judy Cleaveley took top spot in the Pines women's singles event for the first time, defeating Roberta Wheeler of Nipawin in the final. Judy and Roberta are pictured top right. Judy then went on to win women's doubles with partner Rita Larsen of Saskatoon. Blind draw winners are Ashtin Bear and his partner Myles Charles of Stanley Mission. Three finals for Ashtin means a nice payday for him as well.

Eric's third Icicle in a row, Becky solid

Eric Matheson of Saskatoon has completed his second "three-peat" of the season at the North Battleford Icicle tournament, defeating Karsten Larsen in the final. They're pictured right. Eric has also won three in a row at the Al Heminger Memorial (2015-17).

Women's champ is Becky Arndt of Regina, who cements her position atop the SDA rankings with the win over number-two-ranked Stacey Stephanson of Saskatoon, pictured below right.

Karsten Larsen teamed up with Chester Sakebow of Leoville to take men's doubles. They're pictured left. Women's doubles winners are Saskatoon combo Elaine Walker and Rita Larsen (far right). A good turnout at North Battleford was helped by the attendance of several new players.

Chester wins first, Elaine doubles at Pat Copeman Memorial

At the inaugural Pat Copeman Memorial tournament in Regina on January 21, Chester Sakebow from Leoville defeated hometown star Jim Dennis in the final to win the men's competition. They're pictured left. That's Chester's first SDA singles win according to our records. Way to go!

Elaine Walker took time out from her presidential duties and found her form, winning the women's singles over Bonnie Lapierre.

That's Elaine's first SDA singles win since the early 2000s: she's back!

Elaine kept it going, teaming up with Bonnie to win the doubles over Carol Shepherd and Stacey Stephanson, in an all-Team Sask final. Elaine and Bonnie are pictured right.

Fellow 2016 Team Sask reps Steve Kristjansson and Karsten Larsen of Saskatoon (far right) won men's doubles over Curt Gamble and Jesee Gamble of Moose Jaw. See the full results from Regina.

Eric makes it three, Becky back on top at Heminger

The 12th annual Al Heminger Memorial held in Saskatoon January 7 attracted Saskatchewan's top players.

Men's winner is Eric Matheson, for the third time in a row at this tournament. He defeated fellow Team Saskatchewan player Jason Skinner in the final.

In women's action, Becky Arndt of Regina defeated Sharon Acker of North Battleford in the final and takes top spot in the rankings.

Becky teamed up with Dakota Roberts of Prince Albert to take the women's doubles. Men's doubles goes to former 2-time Heminger winner Karsten Larsen and his partner Chester Sakebow of Leoville.

Many new players took part and Elaine Walker and her volunteers from SUDO organized yet another successful tournament, with 46 men and 16 women in the singles events. You can see full results here.

Saskatoon Toy Drive for needy kids

There wasn't a Toy Shoot this year in Saskatoon but dart players were still in the giving mood. Lots of toys were collected for some youngsters who needed a brighter Christmas this year.

Organizer Laurie Kitzul says thank you to all concerned and shares more info here.

North East Classic results

We can report the winners from the Hudson Bay tournament in November.

Men's champ and three-peat winner is Ashtin Bear of Prince Albert who beat Grant Dye from Saskatoon in the final. Becky Arndt made the trip from Regina worth while by taking first place in women's over Aspen Hall of Mortlach.

Saul Arndt of Regina and his partner Curt Gamble of Moose Jaw took men's doubles. Over in the women's doubles it was Saskatoon pair Bev Roth and Melanie December, who's a first-time winner.

Triples went to the powerhouse out of Saskatoon: Karsten Larsen, Rita Larsen and Steve Kristjansson. Steve also took the blind draw title with his partner, local youth player Josh Grenier. See the full results.

Saul plays World Masters

SDA Youth Darts is proud to be part of the sensational Saul Arndt show that made its way to the fabled Lakeside in England for the boys' World Masters. He played in a field of 88 boys from around the world in a straight knockout competition.  

Saul didn't win it all in London - this time.  "Can't win them all," he says. A great philosophy for a youth player who's had a string of titles already this year.

So far in 2016, the 16-year-old Reginan won the doubles at Youth Nationals partnered by Jaymes Swenson; won the NDFC Americas Cup qualifier; then took a trip to Barbados for the Americas Cup this summer, and won that too!

Saul was accompanied by his parents to the BDO's showpiece event, and they returned home December 5. "I had a really great time," he says, "and met lots of the pro players. It was lots of fun."

We can all dream about playing big-time darts - this kid is already doing it. Way to go, Show!

Team SK stars shine at Oktobershoot

North Battleford hosted November 5 and three players from the 2016 provincial team took care of business. 

(L-R in picture) Steve Kristjansson, Stacey Stephanson and Jason Skinner teamed up to win the mixed triples event.

Stacey went on to win the women's singles, defeating Judy Cleaveley in the final, while Jason took men's with a win over Bobby Magalong.

See the full results from North Battleford. 

Steve tops Sask Open

Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon was on good form as Regina zone hosted the Saskatchewan Open October 14-15.

Steve won men's singles over NDFC star Dean Corlett of Manitoba, then teamed up with Karsten Larsen of Saskatoon to win doubles over Corlett and his partner Ron Looker. Steve is pictured left.

Women's winner is Lisa Boyer of Manitoba, who defeated Kim Bellay-Rousselle of BC in the final.  

Saskatchewan's Bonnie Lapierre and Joan Hodgen took the women's doubles title with the win over youth players Savanah Solomon and Rianna December.

At a mixed doubles event on the Friday evening, Reginan pair Becky Arndt and Saul Arndt (pictured above right) took top spot with a victory over Bonnie Lapierre and Jim Dennis. 

You can see full results from the Sask Open here.

Bobby wins first at Border 

Bobby Magalong of Saskatoon threw some very nice darts on the way to his first SDA tournament win at the Darts on the Border shoot in Lloydminster October 1.

He defeated Reginan youth phenom Saul "The Show" Arndt in the final, with finishes of 114, 102 and 80 to seal the deal.

Saul and Bobby are pictured right.

Over in the women's section it was Becky Arndt who came out on top with the win over Melanie Thomas. Becky and Melanie are in the pic to the left.

Men's doubles champs are Karsten Larsen and Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon, pictured right. They overcame Saul Arndt and Chester Sakebow in the final. 

Blind draw winners are Steve Kristjansson and Steadman Regular. 

Kudos to Iain and Lori Mackay of Lloydminster zone for organizing the tournament and to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 for sponsoring the event to the tune of $1,000.

You can see full results from Lloydminster here.

AGM elects Elaine Walker interim SDA president

Our Association has a familiar face taking over as interim president. Elaine Walker was elected by acclamation at the 2016 AGM in Regina September 10 and will serve until the end of the 2016-17 season, when she is expected to run again for the 2017-19 term.

Other executive members took up new positions, including Shauna Grassing as Youth Director and Shawn Solomon as Member-at-Large.

The 43 members present observed a minute's silence for the passing of members and loved ones including sitting president and great friend of Canadian darts Pat Copeman.

Warm congratulations were offered to youth player Saul Arndt for winning the America's Cup youth title in Barbados earlier this summer. Saul will now go on to represent Canada at the World Masters in England. Let's all wish him the best!

A darts tournament was also played at the Eagles Club, the AGM's new venue for this year. Steve Kristjansson of Saskatoon won in men's with a victory over Karsten Larsen. Women's singles goes to Bonnie Lapierre of Regina, who defeated Elaine Walker in the final. We've lost track of how many times Bonnie has won the AGM. Suffice it to say it's easier to count the times when she didn't win it! Way to go Hammer!