Charlottetown pinball league attracts the retro crowd

Pinball players in Charlottetown are rediscovering the joys of playing the silver ball, and becoming part of an international movement.

A new league has started up in the P.E.I. capital, led by Evan Dickson. He owns nine pinball machines, collecting and repairing them just for the love of the game.

"It's real physics," said Dickson.

"There's actually a lot to a pinball game. There's lots of mini games built in to any given pinball, it's not just keep the ball in play. It's hit this combination of targets in this series, sink the ball then sink it over here."

It has become a small business for Dickson as well. He rents them out to places like Upstreet Craft Brewing, which has now hosted several tournaments. Dickson started up the league a few months ago, after hearing about leagues in Halifax and the U.S.

International rankings

The tournaments are not just for fun.

"I've registered with what`s called the IFPA. The International Flipper Pinball Association," said Dickson.

"These players do get ranked, regionally, nationally, globally, just for participating."

Dickson said pinball is seeing a comeback with more establishments putting machines in. Others are collecting and repairing the games, and there are even new games being made.

Upstreet managers say pinball fits in perfectly with their retro game motif. And, the league is just fun to be around.

"If you see somebody having a really good run, it's just that kind of game that you can really get into," said taproom manager Bradford Rooney.

"Especially as a viewer and as a bystander just kind of enjoy the ups and downs of pinball."

The games are available to play at Upstreet any time, and if you fancy your chances the next tournament is Saturday at 2 p.m.