CANORA - After a tough 5-4 loss in Swan Valley on Dec. 21, the Canora Cobras bounced back in a big way on home ice the following weekend; dominating Preeceville 16-1 on Dec. 27, and then getting revenge on Swan Valley with a tense 2-1 win the following evening.
In Swan River, the Cobras started out well, but in the end there were too many obstacles to overcome, according to Cobras Coach Darren Schwartz.
“It was our game and it was a very good game,” said Schwartz. “We were missing three guys plus we had two injuries during the game, so we just ran out of gas. Rylan Palchewich (of Canora) played very well in net for us.”
The Swan Valley Axemen trailed 4-2 late in the second period, but outscored the Cobras 3-0 the rest of the way to earn the victory.
Logan Foster of Kamsack led the Canora offense with a goal and an assist, while Austin Severson of Norquay was the only other Cobra with multiple points, contributing a pair of assists. Other goal scorers were Tanner Denesowych and Carter Dereniwsky of Canora, and Skylar Wallin of Margo.
After playing six of their first seven SEHL games on the road this season, the Cobras returned home to the Canora Civic Centre on Dec. 27 and 28 for some well-deserved ‘home cooking.’
The Preeceville Pats arrived in Canora on Friday night and were greeted rudely. The Cobras scored their first goal just over a minute after the opening faceoff, and didn’t stop until they were up 16-0 in the third period.
“It was our first game after Christmas, and we had lots of energy,” said Schwartz. “We were up pretty much right from the start and it turned into a route.”
The only sour note for the home team was that Brand Sentes lost his shutout bid toward the end of the third period.
The Cobras put on persistent pressure throughout the night, scoring at least five goals in each period, which Schwartz was pleased to see.
“We are a very offensive team, and we didn’t take our foot off the gas against Preeceville.”
Cole Rathgeber of Yorkton led the Cobras’ shooters with four goals, and had an excellent game, according to Schwartz.
“Since coming back, he has played very well for us. He has the potential to consistently be one of our top scorers.”
Carter Dereniwsky of Canora led the points parade with three goals and four assists. Scott Mickoski of Regina also had a hat trick while contributing one helper. Logan Foster had a goal and five assists, while Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede continued his strong first season with the Cobras by helping out with a goal and four assists. Other goal scorers were Ryley Stefanyshyn, Tyler Ostoforoff and Maximillian Flaherty of Canora, and Brett Duczek of Grayson, who also chipped in with two assists.
The next evening, the Cobras knew they were in for a much stiffer test in a return engagement with Swan Valley.
“They have a really good team, including a number of former junior players,” said Schwartz. “We have developed a really good rivalry with them over the last two seasons, including splitting a pair of series in the playoffs.
“I told our guys before the game, ‘if we lose to them again, they’ll only be three points behind us for first place in the North Division, with two games in hand.”
The Cobras started the game well, outshooting the visitors 10-1 and scoring the game’s first goal, with Logan Foster lighting the lamp for the third straight game, assisted by Mathew Wilgosh of Canora. But the Axemen seemed to find their legs, and scored the tying goal before the end of the first period.
The second period looked like it would be scoreless, until Vaughn Wilgosh of Canora scored what turned out to be the winner on a power play, less than a minute before the second intermission. Assists went to Skylar Wallin and Brett Duzcek
“That was a really big goal,” said Schwartz. “We had some pressure and traffic, Vaughn made a great shot to get it through to the net.”
The third period was scoreless, with the Cobras penalty killers, including goalie Brand Sentes, coming up big during a 91-second, five-on-three Swan Valley power play.
Schwartz said it was good for the Cobras to come through in such a low-scoring, playoff-style hockey game.
“We had a really good game against a top goalie. I thought he held them in the game.
“After losing a couple of low scoring games earlier in the season, we have to learn to come through in tight games like that. As the saying goes, ‘Offense wins games, defense wins championships.’ In this game, we really showed we can lock it down.”
As the calendar turns over to the New Year, Schwartz said he likes what he’s seen from his team so far.
“Our guys are playing well, and we have carried over our success from last year. The new guys have really helped. Hopefully we’re on the way to our goal to win the league and provincials.”
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