Derby moved

A lack of ice on Lake Superior has forced a change in venue for the first annual Dougall Media Ice Fishing Tournament for Teen Challenge Thunder Bay.

Originally scheduled for March 3 and 4 near Silver Harbour, officials with Teen Challenge Thunder Bay say they’ve moved it instead to Whitefish Lake where the ice is much thicker, and therefore safer for derby participants.

Teen Challenge development director Robby Ahuja said it simply had to be done.

“It’s been crazy,” he said on Monday. “I’ve heard from some people that it’s never been this bad. So yeah, we’re moving it to Whitefish Lake and we’re excited. There’s lots of ice there.”

Based on 300 entrants, Saturday’s top prize is $10,000, with Sunday’s set at $5,000. Forty-three per cent of the money raised through ticket sales will go to prizes, with the remainder going to help Teen Challenge Thunder Bay.

Teen Challenge is a 12-month Christian-based program for men struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, originating in Brooklyn, N.Y. more than a half a century ago. The Central Canada faction started in 1995 in Manitoba and has since expanded to include four men’s homes, including one in Thunder Bay.

Services offered include addiction recovery centres, drug awareness presentations and church and school outreaches.

Ahuja said he’s not too concerned about the switch on ticket sales.

“It’s out in Nolalu and about a 45-minute drive, but the ice is really thick there and there are lots of people that are already fishing there, so it’s a good place to have it.”

There are plenty of tickets available, he added, noting they can be purchased online or at Print Pros Plus on Memorial Avenue.
They likely won’t last much longer, he said.

“People are calling in fast. We’re getting lots of calls and the weather is calling for zero that day, so we’re excited about that too.”