CANORA - After a decisive win in Game 1, the Canora Cobras met stiffer resistance from the Cote Selects for Game 2 in Cote. But the Cobras prevailed with a 6-3 final score and captured the best-of-three first round series in two straight games.
With Coach Darren Schwartz unavailable for Game 2, General Manager Cal Homeniuk took over behind the bench for the series-clinching win.
“Pretty exciting stuff, we haven’t been in the second round quite a few years,” said Homeniuk. “I can’t remember the last time we had March hockey in Canora.”
Homeniuk said the Cote rink was full to near capacity, and the crowd had plenty to cheer about early, with the game tied 1-1 after the first period.
“We cane out sluggish, no intensity, especially in the first period. Our goalie Durban Hleboff played exceptionally well, pretty much won the game for us. Our system of Durban playing goal on the road and Rylan Palchewich taking over at home seems to be working very well.”
“We played a bit better later in the game, but I think we just got lucky on a few rebounds and shots, especially in the last 40 minutes. We were lucky to escape with the win.
“But our discipline was good, we only took three penalties. The refs did a good job.”
The game was an eye opener for the Cobras, according to Homeniuk.
“There are no easy games at this time of year, especially in the playoffs. We can’t take a night off.
“Cote played well. Their goalie played a lot better than in Canora and the rest of the team was more disciplined. I think they’re only a couple of players away from being a really good team in the future.”
Troy Zulyniak led the Cobras on offense with a pair of goals and an assist. Other goal scorers were Logan Foster, Jake Heerspink, Austin Severson and Skylar Hladun, who also added an assist. Scott Mickoski was the top playmaker with three assists. Singles came from Tanner Mak, and William and Tomas Hauber of Canora.
The focus of the Cobras now shifts to provincials, where they will play the north semifinal against Dinsmore. After traveling to Dinsmore for Game 1, the Cobras host Game 2 on Feb. 24 at the Civic Centre.
Round 2 of the SEHL playoffs is expected to begin on March 1 in Canora with Game 1 of the best-of five series. The opposition was still to be determined at press time.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, we have to play our A game,” concluded Homeniuk.
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