Maidens of the North pinball league tilts the tables toward women and non-binary players

Shelby Lyn Lowe never considered herself a competitive person until she discovered the world of pinball about six years ago. The Saskatoon resident surprises people when she shares her passion for the game, participating in tournaments and leagues.

Playing alongside her teammates, Lowe is a member of the Maidens of the North, a pinball league specifically for women and non-binary individuals in Saskatoon. Similar leagues exist in Calgary and Regina, providing a space for players to train, compete, and enjoy the flashy machines.

Despite pinball being predominantly male-dominated, Lowe and her fellow players find joy in challenging the status quo. The league offers a supportive environment where players can come together every second Wednesday at Pokey’s Pinball Cafe to compete, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company.

Natalie Scott, a long-time member of the Maidens of the North, appreciates the camaraderie and inclusivity of the league. As a fan of old-school Nintendo games, Scott loves the mechanical feel of pinball and the fact that anyone, regardless of skill level, can play. The league not only allows her to meet new people but also encourages mutual support and sportsmanship among players.

The Maidens of the North league has seen growth in recent years, welcoming new members like Tara Schoonbaert. For Schoonbaert, playing pinball brings back childhood memories of playing arcade games with her brothers. She finds joy in the nostalgia of the game and the opportunity to challenge herself to achieve high scores she could never reach as a child.

Even when the ball doesn’t hit the targets as desired, Schoonbaert values the chance to improve her skills and connect with others. As the league gears up for its next season in February, she looks forward to the friendly competition and the opportunity to strive for personal growth.

In a world where pinball is often overlooked as a competitive activity, the Maidens of the North league in Saskatoon is breaking barriers and creating a welcoming space for women and non-binary players to enjoy the game, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships.