CANORA - The Canora Cobras kept on winning with two road wins over the weekend, taking an exciting back-and-forth 6-5 win in an SEHL league game against the Swan Valley Axemen on Jan. 27, and followed that with a 4-1 victory in Rosetown the next afternoon in Game 1 of their opening round series in provincials.
In the Swan Valley game, Coach Darren Schwartz said the Cobras had revenge on their minds, as the Axemen were responsible for Canora’s only loss of the season back in November. The two teams played a relatively even first period, and it showed on the scoreboard in a 1-1 tie.
“It was a very good game,” said Schwartz, “but we had some lapses in the second period and made some mistakes. They capitalized and we were down 5-3. It was our first adversity in a long time.”
Schwarz said he had a very important question for the players heading into the final 20 minutes.
“Let’s see how we handle adversity,” and Schwartz was “very proud of the way we bounced back.”
The Cobras earned the win with three unanswered goals in the third period, including two in the last four minutes.
“We showed lots of character, especially in the third,” said Schwartz. “We wanted to get them back for the loss they gave us, and we didn’t want to be denied again.”
Two of the biggest factors in the win were timely saves from goalie Durban Hleboff, and an excellent game from the power play with three goals in five opportunities, including two in the all-important third period.
“That’s what we need to help us win this time of year,” said Schwartz.
Logan Foster led the offense with two goals, including the game winner, and two assists. Single markers came from the sticks of Cody Dubas of Invermay, Ryley Stefanyshyn of Canora, Skyler Hladun and Austin Severson. Vaughn Wilgosh of Canora chipped in with two assists.
The win wraps up first place in the SEHL north division for the Cobras, and with that comes guaranteed home ice advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
After getting home late on Saturday night, the Cobras were on the bus early Sunday morning for the trip to Rosetown and Game 1 of the opening round of provincials against the Red Wings.
Schwartz said it was important for the Cobras to get off to a good start to open the series.
“We banged them hard, dictated the play right away, got up early, and never looked back,” said Schwartz.
At the period breaks, the Cobras had leads of 2-0 and 3-0, and once again received strong goaltending.
“Rylan Palchewich stood on his head for us,” said Schwartz. “They had power plays with lots of shots, and they got their only goal with about 30 seconds left in the third period.”
Goal scorers for Canora were Cole Rathgeber, Skylar Hladun, Austin Severson and Ryley Stefanyshyn, who also added an assist.
Schwartz said the Cobras need to continue to play a disciplined, physical game along with being strong on defence in order to keep winning in the playoffs, both in provincials and in league play.
The next home game for the Cobras is a battle against the second-place Theodore Buffalos on Saturday, Feb. 3, with an early start time of 7 p.m.
“We’re playing to get first overall in the league and have home ice advantage right through the playoffs, we want to keep the streak going,” said Schwartz.
The next afternoon, the Rosetown Red Wings come to Canora for Game 2 of provincials against the Cobras at 3 p.m., with the opportunity to wrap up the series for the home team.
“They’re a fast team with a good offense, we need to continue playing hard and shutting them down.
“We hope the fans keep coming out and there’s a full house for both games this weekend,” said Schwartz. “The players sure appreciate the support.”
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