Member of the Greater Ottawa Super Single Darts League practice in the basement of St. Anthony’s Italia Soccer Club. Players are heading to the provincial tournament in St. Catharines this month.
Walking into the basement of St. Anthony’s Italia Soccer Club on a Tuesday night, visitors will find dozens of people enjoying a few drinks, eating and socializing.
But they are not just there to enjoy each other’s company. They are there to play darts – in the city’s most competitive league.
The Greater Ottawa Super Single Darts League, which plays out of St. Anthony’s off Preston Street in Little Italy, is one of the most competitive darts leagues in Ottawa. More than 50 players are part of the league, which is celebrating its 25th season.
President Randy Sheik, who has been playing in the league for the past 22 years, says he has enjoyed watching the organization grow increasingly competitive, with no shortage of players.
“There were 21 players from last year who decided not to sign back up for the league, which had me worried,” says Sheik. “But we had lots of new people eager to join, and now we have more players than last year.”
This month will prove to be a busy one, as the league prepares to send players to provincials and host a nationally ranked tournament.
Throughout the season, the players host tournaments where the winners qualify for the provincial tournament, held in St. Catharines this weekend.
Mike Aubrey is one of the league’s veterans, throwing darts for the past 11 years. He will be one of several players representing the league at the provincial tournament this year.
Aubrey’s goal is a top eight finish, which would qualify him for the Canadian National Adult Championship, held June 12 – 15 in Thunder Bay. But with almost 300 skilled darts players in the tournament, he knows a top eight finish won’t be easy.
“I’ve made it to provincials a couple times, and the best I’ve placed is in the top 32,” says Aubrey. “It’s extremely competitive. You have to shoot your very best every single round.”
Following the provincial tournament, the league will be busy preparing to host the 12th annual Dan Cruickshank Memorial tournament. It is a nationally ranked event, which means players in the National Darts Federation of Canada will receive points for placing in the tournament.
As a result, the tournament attracts high-calibre darts players.
The Dan Cruickshank Memorial is the largest and most competitive tournament the league hosts. Last year, players from coast to coast travelled to Ottawa to compete, with the finals being broadcast on Rogers TV.
While Aubrey's league has proven to be one of the most competitive in Ottawa, there are other reasons players are attracted to the organization.
“This isn’t just a place where you come to play darts and improve your skills,” says Adam Burton, one of the newest members.
The game of darts is as much about the social aspect as it is about actually playing the game, he says.
“It’s about meeting new people, making friends, and just having fun.”