2nd Annual Canadian National Cornhole Championships was a HUGE success!
The planning began in early January as the Sask Cornhole League was chosen as the host league for the 2022 Championships! And GRAND hosts they were! Regina was the city and over 100 players from across Canada were embarking on the second annual event.
The host committee of Darren Bradley, Damara Gabel, Parker Kentz & Kevin Newson did not miss a beat. It began with the announcement of the historic Caledonian Curling Club. “The Callie” was dressed up so beautiful. 14 lanes plus our Facebook Live Feature Court was superbly build. This crew paid attention to detail and nothing was amiss. From lane set up, to registration, concessions and so on this group hit it out of the park.
Let’s get to the tournament! Thursday was our soft opening. Starting with the Cornhole Canada Annual General Meeting. Once that wrapped up the Sask Cornhole League put on a Mini-Mixer and Blind Draw to get the weekend started. The place was electric. A sold out blind draw of 64 players took to the courts and also four Sit & Go’s.
On Friday morning Open Singles action began as players played six round robin games. Women’s Singles followed them up. The double elimination playoffs would be played on Sunday.
Our opening ceremonies took place at 4:15pm with the host committee thanking the players and sponsors. The President then awarded a commemorative plaque to the CNPS Points Leader Darren Bradley. We followed that up with the playing of our National Anthem. And Bradley on the mike announced the Top 16 Female and Male players in Canada. This had the crowd buzzing!
It was time for the BIG one. The $1000 Top 16 Championship for both Female and Male. The play was spectacular and the feature court would be filled for most of the tournament. And the first two National Champions were crowned!
As a lot of people attended the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Rough Riders CFL game there was still time to play a sold out Switcholio tournament. And in total throughout the day another eight Sit & Go’s were also played!
Saturday was Doubles day as we crowned three National Championship teams! Open began the day, followed by Woman’s and concluding with Mixed. A sold out Blind Draw also took place in the early evening.
However Saturday belonged to Presley Boehme. The 13 year old young phenom partnered with her father to claim the Mixed Doubles Championship. The arena was filled late night to watch. The atmosphere was electric and truly indescribable.
Open Singles playoffs followed by Women’s Singles playoffs had Sunday abuzz. A final Sit & Go also played and finally the one we were all waiting for. The Unified Special Olympics National Championships! Six teams played for the right to be called National Champions!
Here are your Champions:
CNPS Top 16 – Female
Champion: Damara Gabel (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Presley Boehme (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Launa Smith (Ontario)
CNPS Top 16 – Male
Champion: Parker Kentz (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Louis Bakopoulos (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Aaron Giroux (Alberta)
Open Doubles – Competitive
Champion: Dylan Grane & Andrew Polsom (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Dennis Prince & Aaron Giroux (Alberta)
3rd Place: Brendan Toniello & Parker Kentz (Saskatchewan)
Open Doubles – Social
Champion: Kim Atkinson & Randy Jackson (Ontario)
Finalist: Jesse Wintonyk & Stewart Lyons (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Hawley Moulton & Ryan Dewey (Ontario)
Women’s Doubles
Champion: Damara Gabel & Marlene Auger (Saskatchewan/Alberta)
Finalist: Stacey Prince & Darlene Laboucan (Alberta)
3rd Place: Launa Smith & Karen Lalonde (Ontario)
Mixed Doubles – Competitive
Champion: Presley Boehme & Glen Boehme (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Karen Lalonde & Dave Dunlop (Ontario)
3rd Place: Kevin Newson & Crystal Bittman (Saskatchewan)
Mixed Doubles – Social
Champion: Franco Toniello & Amber Kostal (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Lynette & Darren Bradley (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Bonnie Day & Roger Gagnon (Saskatchewan/Alberta)
Open Singles – Competitive
Champion: Dave Dunlop (Ontario)
Finalist: Aaron Giroux (Alberta)
3rd Place: Kevin Cuthbert (British Columbia)
Open Singles – Social
Champion: Cheyne Law (Alberta)
Finalist: Stewart Lyons (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Darren Healy (Ontario)
Women’s Singles – Competitive
Champion: Launa Smith (Ontario)
Finalist: Damara Gabel (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Crystal Bittman (Saskatchewan)
Women’s Singles – Social
Champion: Jennifer Neudorf (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Mischele Stevens (Ontario)
3rd Place: Amber Kostal (Saskatchewan)
Unified Doubles
Champion: Krishaze Threefingers & Rashawn Taniskishayinew (Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Lexus Okeeweehow & Melodie Smith (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Credence Papequash & Mason Raaen (Saskatchewan)
Thursday Mini-Mixer Blind Draw
Champion: Aaron Giroux & Peter Casillas (Alberta)
Finalist: Roger Gagnon & Presley Boehme (Alberta/Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Reggie Baer & Damara Gabel (Saskatchewan)
Friday Switcholio
Champion: Aaron Giroux & Kevin Newson (Alberta/Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Nick Bornino & Kevin Bittman (Ontario/Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Amber Kostal & Dylan Grane (Saskatchewan)
Saturday Blind Draw
Champion: Roger Gagnon & Kevin Newson (Alberta/Saskatchewan)
Finalist: Dave Dunlop & Cheyne Law (Ontario/Alberta)
3rd Place: Glen Boehme & Andrew Striha (Saskatchewan)
Congratulations to all the Champions! And thank you very much to all the participants, spectators and staff.
Without the following contributors this event would not be possible. Thanks to all of our sponsors.
- North Canadian Construction Sask
- Cardinal Carpet Care
- SUDS Full Service Car Wash
- Andrew Striha at BMO Private Wealth
- Unifor 594
- Pharos Business & Taxation Advisors
- Virtus Group
- Quad Contracting
A very special thanks to our Premier sponsor Glen Boehme and Glen Boehme – Re/Max Crown Real Estate!
We would like to also thank our host hotel The Atlas Hotel, Spirits by Last Mountain Distillery and Beer provided by Great Western Brewery.
And lastly would like to also thank CBC for covering our event. Congratulations to all the Champions! And thank you very much to all the participants, spectators and staff. Over 100 players were represented from across the County. We had over 480 tournament spots sold, multiple air mail winners, 50/50 winner and overall a weekend to remember. Thanks and see you in 2023. Location TBA.
The Board of Directors
