One Cochrane man is wielding out space for a new sport in town: axe throwing.
Patrick Marsden is axed, rather amped, to open the doors this weekend, March 22, for his official grand opening of Chuck Steele's Axe House.
This follows a successful preview to friends and family last week as he completes the final touches in the space he has transformed from a former plumbing store to a wooden-clad and carved hangout complete with centreboards, custom axes and lumberjack paraphernalia.
There are also creatively painted log slabs hung on the walls, courtesy of his kids Sean and Catherine.
"It's therapeutic and not dangerous at all ... but safety is paramount here," said Marsden, who started throwing axes years ago as a pastime while camping, hanging out with family and friends.
While any small business will have its challenges coming out of the gate, Marsden said after 25 years of working in most facets of the construction and home building industry, he is axe-cited for a new venture.
"It's all worth it when I see the smiles on people's faces after they've hit the bullseye for the first time. I've always enjoyed the social aspect of teaching and being a positive influence on people's lives."
It was only four months ago that Marsden gave the cleavers a whirl at a centre in Whistler and it dawned on him – this is exactly what Cochrane needs to add to the growing list of entertainment alternatives and tourist draws.
"For those who have not tried axe-throwing, worry not – as we have a dedicated coach to show you how it's done. It's safe, empowering and a great reliever of the day-to-day stresses in life," he explained, adding that beards are not a prerequisite as the "ladies love it."
Throwing on a loaner flannel to demonstrate a few throws, Marsden said that axe throwing is one of fastest growing sports in North America.
A popular component in most lumberjack competitions, recent years have seen the sport take off in the recreational world. There are axe-throwing centres that have popped up in Calgary, Edmonton and other cities around the province, with a similar concept to darts.
A popular choice for corporate parties, team building events and bachelor/bachelorettes, Marsden's hope is that Chuck Steele's (a play on words and not named after any Chuck in particular) will be tip of the tongue when people inquire about their next corporate gathering or party.
Different points games with small and large axes are played as competitors learn from a dedicated axe-throwing coach how to properly – and safely – hold and huck hatchets at the centrepieces from 12 feet away.
Competitors could play '21' or 'around the world' or league play for a perfect game: nine bullseyes and one kill shot (blue dot).
Marsden's eventual goal is to start a Cochrane league with an eye on participating in the World Axe Throwing League – competitions that are televised on TSN and ESPN.
The grand opening runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday, with door prizes and half-price for all walk-ins.
Chuck Steele's Axe House is located at 2-120 Fischer Ave. Check out them out at Facebook/Chucksteels or call to inquire further at 587-493-0363.
