LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The Fort Simpson Darts Society is looking to more than double its membership this year in preparation for hosting a territorial event.

Scott McIntosh throws a dart at the Ice Breaker Lounge, the new weekly meeting place for the Fort Simpson Darts Society. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The Territorial Darts Championships will be held in the village from March 5 to 7. Each team can bring 16 players, eight men and eight women, said Brenda Moreau, the society's president.

Moreau is hoping to have a full team roster to enter into the competition. Last year the society had seven registered members.

The society's new venue for its weekly darts night is expected to help draw in new recruits. Since Oct. 20 darts players have been meeting every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ice Breaker Lounge. The bar atmosphere is a draw for some players, said Moreau. The society's highest membership numbers have been in years when it met at local bars.

Over the years members have played in the Nahanni Inn bar, the Sub Arctic bar, a room at the airport and most recently the curling lounge. The society moved again this year to the Ice Breaker Lounge because there's enough space for five boards, compared to three at the curling lounge, said Moreau.

No matter where the society meets its members continue to play darts for the same reasons.

"It's relaxing," said Moreau.

Darts is a great way to socialize and everyone from beginners to experts are invited to drop in and play, she said. For those who haven't played before the society has five members who are certified coaches.

"It's a great bunch of people who come out to play," Moreau said.

Playing darts will give you a good arm workout but it's not an intense physical sport. The strategy is all in the numbers.

"Darts is a mind game," said Moreau who has played for 16 years.

Steve Gooderham, another long time member of the society, agrees.

The first year of darts is spent learning how to throw and the second year is all about the mental game, he said.

Gooderham said he enjoys the camaraderie that darts builds between players. He also likes the challenge. Last year Gooderham was an alternate for the territorial team that went to the nationals. This year his goal is to make the team and play in Gander, Nfld.

Scott McIntosh, another member, is pleased to have the darts nights back in a bar.

"I enjoy it. It's the pub atmosphere that I like," he said.

Darts originated in pubs and that's the way it should be played, said McIntosh.

All of the society's current members are looking forward to the territorial championships.

"It's something that every club wants," said Moreau.

The event will draw approximately 40 players from other clubs and will create benefits for local businesses and organizations who will be utilized to cater meals during the weekend, Moreau said.

The championship will be open to the public so people can come and watch and get a sense of the challenges dart players face when they travel to tournaments, said Moreau.