Team effort
Edmonton, May 22, Day 3: Saskatchewan takes silver in the Nodor Cup team event, losing in the final to Ontario. In mixed doubles action, brother-sister act Clover Arndt and Saul Arndt of Regina take joint third in juniors.

Girl power
May 21: Junior girl Clover Arndt was the star of the singles events for Team Sask on day two of Nationals, finishing joint third. Nice job by the rookie from Regina! Clover is pictured right.

Five from our team of eight made it beyond the round robin in singles, all tacking on points towards the Canada Cup standings.

In the World Masters qualifier, Nipawin's Megan Lyons missed a trip to England by that much, finishing second to Abbigale Hatter of Alberta. Megan is the provincial senior girls' champion, pictured left.

Youth director Trish Gray reports that the team spirit among our young players is excellent. "What a day!" says Trish. "The team is a true team. All for one and one for all. The support for each other is awesome."

Trish says it was an exceptional performance by the whole team. "The competition was tough but the players were determined. I am very proud of them all."

Early impact
May 20: Senior girls Megan Lyons and Miranda Cleaveley took joint third in the doubles on the first day of NDFC Youth Nationals. And notch up another joint third for Team Sask - Junior girls Brittany Lyons and Clover Arndt made the semis. Senior boys Kennedy Haluke and James Walter lost out in a playoff, and junior boys Austin Morrison and Saul Arndt did not advance.

Saskatchewan entered players into all events in all age groups at Nationals. Full results from Edmonton are posted on the NDFC homepage.

Look out Canada - here comes the Youth of SK

L-R: Austin Morrison, Brittany Lyons, Saul Arndt, James Walter, Megan Lyons,
Miranda Cleaveley, Clover Arndt, Randi Friess (Alt), Kennedy Haluke

Youth Team Saskatchewan has two new faces this year and six players making a return to the national level.

In Junior Boys, Austin Morrison of Rosetown and Saul Arndt of Regina repeated their one-two performance from last year and will head to Edmonton for Nationals in May.

Junior Girls' champion for the second year in a row is Brittany Lyons of Nipawin. She's joined by Clover Arndt of Regina.

Megan Lyons (YTS '08, '09, '10) is the Senior Girls' winner for the third time. Her partner will be Miranda Cleaveley of Hudson Bay who was a junior at last year's Nationals.

Finally, Senior Boys' number one this year is James Walter (YTS '07, '08, '09); he's joined by newcomer Kennedy Haluke of Nipawin. Let's wish the whole team all the best for NDFC Nationals 2011.

The Youth Provincials were held February 12 and 13 in Regina. Lots of new up-and-comers tried out and we had 31 entries from across the province. That's well up on last year. Young players from Prince Albert, Hudson Bay, Rosetown, Nipawin, Regina and, new for 2011, Hodgeville came to the Queen City for a two-day round-robin event.

Sportsmanship awards were voted on by players, and the winners were Clover and Saul Arndt.

Ashton Bear of Prince Albert notched up a maximum 180. Nice shot!

Many thanks to our energetic Youth Director and all the volunteers from the host zone. Full results here.

Youth take centre stage

Thirty-three young darts players hit Saskatoon for the Youth Classic tournament January 15.

Players from Prince Albert, Nipawin, Hudson Bay, Rosetown, Regina and, new for 2011, Hodgeville took part in the event.

Pictured left, Junior Girls winner Clover Arndt of Regina. On the right, Kyle Solomon of Regina, the Junior Boys winner.

I have seen the future - and it's youth darts players! Everyone in the picture above received a set of darts,
generously donated to the Youth program by John Brann.

Youth Organizer Trish Gray says the tournament was "an absolute success!" The record number of entrants was an increase of 10 on last year.

Trish sends out a special thank-you to everyone who volunteered for the morning set-up and evening tear-down, and all the parents, chaperons and volunteers who helped make this day a success.

Full results here.

Youth team returns

Our team of eight youth players is back in Saskatchewan with some booty, a lot of pride and memories for a lifetime.

Team Saskatchewan 2010. Back row, L-R: Miranda Cleaveley, Aspen Cleaveley, Tyson Newell, Mitch Kavanagh, Austin Morrison, Megan Lyons. Front row, L-R: Laurie Lyons, Ken Cleaveley, Saul Arndt, Brittany Lyons, Trish Gray, Hunch Gray. Unnamed RCMP officer, centre

Mixed doubles gold for Seniors

May 23, 2010, Gander, Newfoundland: Tyson Newell and Megan Lyons took first place in the Senior Mixed Doubles at Youth Nationals! A superb result for Saskatchewan up against some stiff competition - congratulations to them both.

Team Sask made a splash at the Nodor Cup team event as well with a third-place finish.

Overall, Saskatchewan finished 5th in the Canada Cup, an improvement on last year.

Two bronzes for Girls' teams

May 21: Team Sask made a good start at the Youth Nationals as our girls' doubles teams both placed joint third on opening day. 

Two sets of sisters trod the podium: Megan Lyons and Aspen Cleaveley in Seniors and Brittany Lyons and Miranda Cleaveley in Juniors. The Lyons girls are from Nipawin and the Cleaveleys hail from Hudson Bay.

Later that evening, Austin Morrison came second in the bursary shoot.

May 22: Megan and Brittany Lyons both reached the last eight in girls' singles. Great job!

Also representing us this year were Senior Boy Mitch Kavanagh and Junior Boy Saul Arndt.

Youth director Trish Gray says she has been super impressed by the whole team's attitude. "I cannot say enough about how proud I was to be associated with all these terrific youth players," says Trish. "I was especially pleased with the senior members of the team who stepped up, without being asked, to mentor and be leaders for the young players."

Trish gives the shout out to Hunch, Ken and Laurie, the coaching staff, and Dan and Becky, the parents. "All your hard work did not go unnoticed. Thanks!"

Going to Gander

Rosetown, February 21: The indomitable Lyons sisters Megan and Brittany take a trophy each at provincials and are away to Newfoundland for the Youth Nationals.

Senior boy Mitch Kavanagh is taking off for the fourth time while partner Tyson Newell and junior Austin Morrison make a second trip. Persistence pays off for Miranda Cleaveley, who makes it at the third attempt.
Here are the results. Top two go, thirds are alternates.

Junior Girls
1st Brittany Lyons (Nipawin)
2nd Miranda Cleaveley (Hudson Bay)
3rd Clover Arndt (Regina)

Junior Boys
1st Austin Morrison (Rosetown)
2nd Saul Arndt (Regina)
3rd Kyle Solomon (Regina)

Senior Girls
1st Megan Lyons (Nipawin)
2nd Letitia Walter (Hudson Bay)*
3rd Aspen Cleaveley (Hudson Bay)

Senior Boys
1st Tyson Newell (Prince Albert)
2nd Mitch Kavanagh (Regina)
3rd James Walter (Hudson Bay)

In the picture: L-R, back row, Mitch, Tyson, James, Tish, Clover; middle row: Kyle, Megan, Austin, Brittany, Miranda; in front: Saul and Aspen.

Saul is the youngest member of the team - he's 10.

*Aspen will be in Gander as part of the team because Letitia is unavailable for Newfoundland.

Congratulations to them all. Full results soon.

Numbers up at youth tournament

Twenty-five young players from far and wide played in the Youth Classic tournament in Saskatoon January 16.

Top honours went to (L-R):
Aspen Cleaveley (Hudson Bay), Mitch Kavanagh (Regina), Brittany Lyons (Nipawin) and Austin Morrison (Rosetown).

Full details on our Youth page.

Organizer Trish Gray says the turnout was 6 up on last year, and there was "very positive feedback from the youth and parents about the tournament format and the location."

The Classic is a chance for young players to compete in the run up to Provincials in Rosetown February 20.

Youth Classic rerun for Mitch

Mitch Kavanagh of Regina repeated his 2009 win at the Youth Classic in the 2010 event January 16 in Saskatoon. Here are the results:

Senior Boys
1st Mitch Kavanagh (Regina)
2nd James Walter (Hudson Bay)
3rd Caleb Grenier (Hudson Bay)

Senior Girls
1st Aspen Cleaveley (Hudson Bay)
2nd Megan Lyons (Nipawin)
3rd Letitia Walter (Hudson Bay) """180"""

Junior Boys
1st Austin Morrison (Rosetown)
2nd Brandon Geini (Nipawin)
3rd Damon Netowaysin (Hudson Bay)
3rd Saul Arndt (Regina)

Junior Girls
1st Brittany Lyons (Nipawin)
2nd Miranda Cleaveley (Hudson Bay)
3rd Randi Friess (Nipawin)

Austin Morrison and Michelle Grenier teamed up to win the Blind Draw doubles event.

The new venue at Saskatoon's Confederation Inn was a success. Styling!

Organizers Trish and Hunch would like to thank Bonnie, Al and Doug for helping set up and Laurie for the treats and pop.

Aspen and Alitha take bronze at youth Nationals

Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, May 15: Saskatchewan senior girls Aspen Cleaveley (Hudson Bay) and Alitha Chamney (Estevan) finished joint third in the doubles on the first day of the 2009 NDFC Youth Nationals. Great job girls!

May 16: SDA Youth Director Trish Gray says Saturday was a tough day for our players in the singles competition, with hard losses for some. No one advanced past the first round, but there was awesome group support, says Trish. Even after Team Sask had all finished for the day, they sportingly stuck around for stage play in a "sea of white" team shirts.

Front row, L-R: Jacki Lalonde (SDA), Austin Morrison, Aspen Cleaveley, Trish Gray (SDA), Alitha Chamney, Megan Lyons, Naomi Netowaysin. Back row: Hunch Gray (SDA), Mitch Kavanagh, Tyson Newell, James Walter, Brian Humphreys (SDA).

May 17: Trish reports from Saint-Hyacinthe.

"On Sunday we played the Nodor Cup event, our first round was against New Brunswick. The players did very well, but unfortunately the team lost 3-4 ending the opportunity to continue.

"Next was the mixed doubles event. The competition was fierce and all of our mixed teams played very well, but unfortunately they did not continue on into any of the medal draws.

"It was very emotional for some of the players, but I told them that I did not care about the Ws, the medals or any of that. As long as they felt that they played well that is all that mattered to me. I was never disappointed with any of them - they are all my heroes.

"Megan Lyons played in the World Masters qualifier. She advanced through a couple of the knock-out draws and played exceptionally well. She had the whole team standing right behind her all the way.

"It was such a pleasure to take this group of fine young adults to Saint-Hyacinthe and watch them compete for Saskatchewan with pride, dignity and awesome sportsmanship!"

Saskatchewan finished in sixth place overall in the Canada Cup.

Juniors Walter, Lyons repeat at Provincials

Feb. 21-22, 2009: James Walter of Hudson Bay defends his top position in Junior Boys, Megan Lyons of Nipawin makes it back-to-back wins in the Junior Girls, and Senior Girl Alitha Chamney of Estevan makes it four years in a row on Saskatchewan's Youth Team with a second-place finish in the Youth Provincials.

Senior Girls champion Aspen Cleaveley makes her second trip to Nationals, while Senior Boys number one Mitch Kavanagh qualifies for the third time.

Seniors, L-R: Mitch, Tyson, Aspen and Alitha

Juniors, L-R: James, Austin, Megan and Naomi

Nipawin hosted 25 players, ranging in age from 9 to 19, who were competing for the eight spots at the Nationals in Quebec this May.

Two new Boys, one new Girl on Team

The roster for St-Hyacinthe has three new faces. In the Senior Boys, first-timer Tyson Newell of Prince Albert joins Mitch Kavanagh of Regina (YTS '06, '07).

Joining James Walter (YTS '07, '08) is newcomer Austin Morrison of Rosetown. The Junior Girls are Megan Lyons (YTS '08) and rookie Naomi Netowaysin of Hudson Bay. Let's wish them all the best!

Well done also to the alternates. They are Andrew Greenbank, Nipawin, Janine Grassing, Nipawin, Kyle Solomon, Regina, and Samantha Wood, Nipawin. Full results from Nipawin.

Provincials a hit

Nipawin hosted 25 young darts players for the 2009 Provincials, the best turnout in some years. Organizer Trish Gray sent these photos from the tournament.

Cool prize

Pictured right is the winner of the darts fridge that's been up for raffle in our youth fundraiser. Janine Grassing receives the prize from organizer and fridge designer Hunch Gray.

Hey Dad, your name's on here!

Pictured left are Saul Arndt (left) and father Danny. Saul competed in this year's youth provincials and spotted his father's name on the trophy that he had won for Junior Boys in 1991.

Good sports                                              

The sportsmanship awards for Youth Provincials this year go to Austin Morrison and Savannah Solomon. They each receive ribbons and some new flights.

Youth Classic "awesome"

SDA Youth Director Trish Gray reports that 18 players from all corners of the province made the trip to Saskatoon for the 2009 youth darts tournament .

Trish says, "It was an awesome time, ranging in ages from 8 to 19 years old.  Experience mixing with novice, it was a good booster for all the youth players. This year saw an increase in parent support, but I also made them all work. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the support of the set-up crew, who carried the equipment up three flights of stairs and got everything in order for me.  A big thank-you to Hunch, Bonnie and Al."

Saskatoon Classic 2009 results

January 10, 2009:
Senior Boys: 1. Mitch Kavanagh, Regina; 2. Andrew Greenbank, Nipawin; 3. Scott Allardice, Nipawin.

Senior Girls: 1. Caitlin McCrae, Saskatoon; 2. Alitha Chamney, Estevan; 3. Jordyn Waldon, Saskatoon.

Junior Boys: 1. James Walter, Hudson Bay; 2. Austin Morrison, Rosetown; 3. Kyle Solomon, Regina.

Junior Girls: 1. Megan Lyons, Nipawin; 2. Miranda Cleaveley, Hudson Bay; 3. Naomi Netowaysin, Hudson Bay.

Mixed Doubles: 1. Austin Morrison, Megan Lyons; 2. Tish Walter (Hudson Bay), Brandon Gienei (Nipawin)

Youth team third in Canada Cup 2008

Final results from NDFC Youth Nationals: Saskatchewan finishes third with 69 points, behind Ontario (1st - 86) and Alberta (2nd - 83). 

Winnipeg, May 18: Jaret Gray and Alitha Chamney finish joint third in the senior mixed doubles. In the Nodor Cup team event, Saskatchewan were joint third.

May 17: Singles successes include a second place for Megan Lyons of Nipawin in the junior girls, and joint third for Jaret Gray of Rosetown in the senior boys' event.

May 16: Senior boys Jaret Gray and Wade Grassing take first place in the doubles. Alitha Chamney and Janine Grassing finished second in the senior girls' doubles. Junior girls Megan Lyons and Nicole Allardice came in joint third in their event.

Coaching this year were Trish and Hunch Gray; our chaperones were Jim Dennis and Shauna Grassing.

From the archives

How would the youth of today do against these guys? Here are some pictures of Saskatchewan Youth Darts from years gone by.

Senior Girls Gold Medal, 1988 Youth Nationals. NDFC President Bill Spears presents the award
to Charlene Konanz and Terri Johnson. Photo courtesy Brian Gatin

Youth Team Saskatchewan 1988:
Back Row: John Belanger, Deidre Nattrass, Terri Johnston, Elliott Clarkson
Front Row: Jeremy Burt, Kim Wanner, Charlene Konanz, Scott Racette
Jeremy and John won the silver in Junior boys that year at Nationals. Photo courtesy Brian Gatin

Youth Team Saskatchewan 1986 at Nationals in Halifax: Kerry Schofield (Senior Boys),
 Lisa Mann (Junior Girls), John Belanger (Junior Boys). Photo courtesy Brian Gatin.

You can see more photos of Saskatchewan Darts players on our Archives page here.

© Saskatchewan Darts Association 2009. All rights reserved.