Prince Albert's Tia Crowe and Saskatoon's Steve Kristjanson celebrate their victories. (Image Credit: Facebook/ Saskatchewan Darts Association)

By Nigel Maxwell

Dart

Prince Albert dart players punch tickets to Nationals  

Mar 16, 2026 | 11:07 AM

Prince Albert’s Tia Crowe is excited to make her return her return to Nationals.

After finishing first amongst the women after last weekend’s provincial championship in Saskatoon, she’ll join seven other women in Quebec in June.

“It’s been a long time coming since I got back into it three years ago making seventh, sixth and fifth, so I was hoping for fourth at least but happy I exceeded my expectations,” she said.

The two-day competition was held at the Army and Navy Veteran’s Club. There were 19 athletes in the women’s division, and 39 in the men’s division.

On Saturday, Crowe finished with 19 wins and then on Sunday, won 22 out of the 24 games she played, finishing with a total of 41. Her trip to Quebec in June, marks her fourth time at Nationals in four years.

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On the men’s side, Crowe’s son Ashtin Bear finished second. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Tia Crowe)

Also competing in the women’s division from Prince Albert was Declyn Keays who won 27 games and finished ninth. She has been named first alternate. The tournament marked her first time competing as an adult.

“I’m very happy with how I did this year especially since as a youth last year it was practically a free path as there was only the two of us. I am super excited as if one of the eights members drops out, I’ll be the first to get a call.”

On the men’s side, Crowe’s son Ashtin Bear finished second, thereby also securing his own spot at Nationals. The last time he made the team was 2019 and when COVIS hit, he opted to take a mental health break.

“It feels amazing to be back and feels like I never left that room of amazing competitors. I’m beyond ecstatic to be heading to nationals with my mom for the first time,” he said.

Crowe’s daughter Shanae Johnstone finished tenth so if two people drop out, she too will travel to Quebec.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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