LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fifteen years ago, Steve Gooderham had never played darts before except for a few informal occasions with friends.

Scott McIntosh throws a dart during one of the Fort Simpson Darts Society's weekly evenings in the Ice Breaker Lounge. The society is hoping to attract more people to the sport. - NNSL file photo

Since then, he's been a committed member of the Fort Simpson Darts Society, whose members meet weekly at the Ice Breaker Lounge to play the sport. The camaraderie is one of the things that has kept Gooderham coming back.

"There are no egos, everyone has a good time," he said. "We don't take ourselves seriously. None of us are going to be on the professional darts tour."

The society started its season on Oct. 8 and Gooderham and other members are encouraging other village residents to come out and try the sport. No experience is needed and beginners can borrow darts to play with.

"The experienced members of the club are more than willing to help people to learn how to throw their darts properly," he said.

The society is using the first few weeks of the season to see how many people are interested in playing. After that a format will be decided.

Last season, eight to 14 people played on a regular basis. Fourteen to 16 is a really nice crowd, said Brenda Moreau, the society's president.

The number allows for seven to eight mixed doubles teams. Because the teams are chosen by blind draw, playing doubles allows people to get to know others from the community and become familiar with the styles of other players, she said.

Moreau would like to see the society have doubles and singles nights. Although the first two sessions were held on Wednesdays, the next night will be on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. to see if Thursdays are conducive to getting more participants.

"It would be nice to get more people out there," she said.

Moreau has been playing darts for 23 years. She had no previous experience with the sport before starting and has gone on to play on both national and international levels.

"I enjoy the numbers game, I enjoy the mental game," she said.

Darts can be more than just a way to pass time in a bar. There is a whole mental aspect to the game that is used in competition. If people are interested, they can work towards competing in the 2015 NWT Darts Championships that will be held in Yellowknife. Few women go to territorials so there are especially opportunities for women to make the NWT team, Moreau said.

In Fort Simpson, darts is an opportunity to have a fun night out and meet new people, she said. Some people like the sport of darts while some just like the socialization that comes with it, she said.

New players can spend a few weeks playing for free before deciding if they want to make a commitment.

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