The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The 25-year marriage between the Northern Flytes Dart Club and the Manitoba Darts Association (MDA) has come to an end. They officially joined the Saskatchewan Darts Association (SDA) in September to be within three to five hours of more ranking tournaments. With the MDA, the majority of tournaments were in the Winnipeg area. While the switch is beneficial, Brian Humphries, vice-president of the Northern Flytes Club admits it wasn't easy. The club has a successful tradition with the MDA as five to six members have represented the province. Others have also gone to nationals and represented the country. That was the main reason they didn't leave earlier. Being members of the SDA now allows players who participate in tournaments to earn ranking points instead of just cash. Some of the tournaments they will participate in are in La Ronge, Nipawin, Hudson Bay, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. "I think it's fantastic," said Humphries, who contacted the SDA. "It will regenerate a lot of interest and increase membership." While being part of the MDA, Humphries said they had 12 members and others wouldn't join until now. There are between 35 to 45 people in the area that play and Humphries said he believes the membership will double into the 20s. The club is hoping they can now build a good youth program, too. Before being able to join the SDA, Northern Flytes needed to get their release from the MDA, then receive approval from the SDA. Elaine Pearson, president of the SDA, said the reason approval was given is because a lot of members within the Northern Flytes Club live in Saskatchewan and they contribute quite a bit to SDA tournaments. "I'm happy with it," Pearson said, of their membership inclusion. "I think it's great. It helps our memberships (which is at 600). It's a good community." Pearson said when Humphries contacted her, she informed him of the necessary steps to be taken. Not only did Northern Flytes get the SDA's approval, the SDA has included the Flin Flon Open, scheduled for April 27-29, as a ranking tournament and is listed on the associations website. "We know it's a well established tournament," Pearson said, as some SDA members have participated in it. With making the switch, players can take comfort in knowing the standard of play doesn't decline from the MDA to SDA. "The quality of darts is as good in Saskatchewan," said Perry Burton, president of Northern Flytes. "The challenge is still there." Burton said this wasn't just a Humphries and Burton decision, as their membership also had say in the matter. "I love it," said member Darrell Nash. "The travel is a big thing. We get to play in a lot more ranked tournaments." And to him, that's the key. "To be honest, this zone is something special and we just go to have fun," Nash said. Wayne Chutskoff said the move is a benefit to the club. "I was all for it," he explained. "I'm already a member." Humphries said that newcomers are welcome and they can contact him at 687-8490, Perry at 687-3382, or Dot Nash at 687-3591.
