Youth provincial darts tournament: Our shooting stars

Junior boys champion: Greg Kmeicik holds his trophy. Next to him are SDA directors Mel December and Ryan English.

The challenge was daunting: to play competitive darts for ten hours over one and a half days. The risks were real – arms getting sore, concentration levels dipping, and nerves becoming frayed.
When the reward is high, however, so is the ability to keep going. And going.
Such was the case with darts enthusiasts who tested their skills and temperaments at last weekend’s Saskatchewan Darts Association Youth Provincial Play Downs in Maple Creek.
It was the first time that the town had hosted the prestigious event, which attracted 13 players from Saskatoon, Nipawin, Prince Albert … and Maple Creek, of course.
By the time the last dart was thrown, seven youths had booked their places in the Nationals tournament in Toronto in May.  Among them were three from Maple Creek: Matthew Sheppard, runner-up in Senior Boys; and Greg Kmiecik and William Francis, who came first and second respectively in Junior Boys.
Greg earned the additional distinction of hitting a “180” – the highest score possible with three darts, each one landing in the triple 20.
Fifteen-year-old Aurora Lasante, who recently moved to Maple Creek from Airdrie, Alberta, may also have an opportunity to go to Ontario after being named an alternate in Junior Girls.
The likelihood is that she will step up to play for the Senior Girls.
She only took up darts about four months ago after a neighbour suggested that it might be a good way to make friends.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “Everybody has been very supportive.”
Also going to the Nationals are: Joshua Adrian (Nipawin), who pipped Matthew Sheppard by one point to win Senior Boys; Shaukeena McKay (Saskatoon), winner of Senior Girls; and Shanae Johnstone (Prince Albert) and Thary Stephanson (Saskatoon), who came first and second in Junior Girls.
Although Maple Creek’s William Sheppard missed out on a Nationals berth by coming fourth in Senior Boys, he picked up a “Male Sportsmanship” award, receiving a gift bag put together by the Town of Maple Creek.
Mel December, SDA youth director, said she was impressed by the level of play.
“You guys shot well,” she said during the awards ceremony. “Lots of good sportsmanship I’ve seen as we went along. Everybody got along so well.”
Ryan English, an SDA youth co-ordinator, whose son, Jaden, was competing, said Maple Creek had earned the right to host the tournament because of its active darts scene.
The town, he added, had the “biggest constituency of kids” playing darts, pointing out that seven of the 13 competitors were from Maple Creek.
Jamie Sheppard, coach with the Maple Creek Youth Darts League, spoke of his pride at the town hosting the event.
“It’s a great day for Maple Creek,” he said. “A lot of hard work went into setting everything up.”
The two-day tournament at the Royal Canadian Legion Brach #75 in Maple Street began on Saturday with registration and opening ceremonies, which were attended by Michelle McKenzie, the Mayor of Maple Creek, and Doug Steele, MLA for Cypress Hills-Gull Lake.
McKenzie welcomed everyone to “this beautiful town” and praised the Maple Creek Youth Darts League for providing activities for young people and reaching the stage of hosting a provincial tournament.
“Awesome job,” she said, adding: “I can’t even explain how proud I am to be here … good luck to everybody.”
Steele also welcomed participants to the “great Southwest”, pointing out that Saskatchewan mask-wearing mandates would be ending soon.
He recalled having a darts board in his office when he worked on a small elevator as a young man. Back in those days, darts was a very popular activity.
“It is an honour be here at this event,” he said.
Play began at 10am, featuring singles format only; those who came first or second in their categories would advance to the Nationals. Games continued until late afternoon/early evening. There was a break for lunch, prepared by Lori Davis at the Legion, and a canteen was also available.
The next day saw one of the Maple Creek players, Falco Berreth, storm-stayed because of heavy snowfall. It meant he was unable to attend 8.30-9am registration, resulting in disqualification.
One of the weekend highlights was Greg Kmiecik’s “180”, something Josh Adrian also achieved, along with a “171”.
Sunday’s closing ceremony took place at about 2pm. December paid tribute to the Maple Creek contingent that had organized the event: darts coaches Jamie Sheppard, Dan Ryerson, Rob Kmiecik, and Lester Nickel, from the Royal Canadian Legion.
“Thank you to you guys for putting it on,” she said.
December went on to thank parents for refraining from coaching their children during play and the volunteers who chalked the darts boards.
“Good job, parents … Good job to everybody.”
At the end of the ceremony, Nickel, assistant darts coach and Legion branch president, presented a giant cheque to Jamie Sheppard, reimbursing the Maple Creek Youth Darts League for rental costs over the tournament. He said the money would support local youth.
Sheppard thanked everyone who made the trip to Maple Creek, despite the weather and the forecasts.
“We greatly appreciate everyone coming and making this a successful event for our first time hosting provincials,” he said. “We look forward to the opportunity of hosting again in the future. We wish you safe travels going home.”

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