CANORA - The Canora Cobras continued their near-perfect start to the SEHL season, winning 10-1 in Preeceville Dec. 13, and 8-5 at Theodore the next evening. The wins give the Cobras 11 points in six games and first place in the North Division standings, ahead of Swan Valley and Theodore, each with six points. (The Axemen have two games in hand on Theodore).
Vs. Preeceville
The Preeceville game was never really in doubt according to Cobras Coach Darren Schwartz, as the Canora roared out to a 5-0 lead after the first period.
“Preeceville has picked up some players, so they’ve improved a lot since last year,” said Schwartz. “But we came out ready to play right away and took the game over. We didn’t really give them a chance to get going.”
After the Cobras built the big lead, it turned into a penalty-filled affair with numerous ejections.
“The Pats were frustrated,” said Schwartz. “They took a lot of penalties and tried to get us to take penalties, but near the end of the game they laid off.”
Schwartz was pleased with the Cobras’ effort from start to finish.
“We were consistent throughout for the most part and kept our composure, we played a complete game. We have to play that way against every team, no matter where they are in the standings.”
Scott Mickoski of Regina led the onslaught for the Cobras with a hat trick, and added an assist for good measure. Logan Foster of Kamsack matched Mickoski’s four points with two goals and two assists. Carter Dereniwsky of Canora had a goal and two assists, while Kody Rock of Canora and Cole Rathgeber of Yorkton each contributed a goal and an assist. The other goal scorers for the Cobras were Cody Dubas of Invermay and Brett Duczek of Grayson. Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede was the top playmaker with three assists; while Vaughn Wilgosh of Canora, Skylar Wallin of Margo and Troy Zulyniak each had a pair of helpers.
Vs. Theodore
The next evening in Theodore the Cobras ran into a much stiffer test, as the teams were tied 2-2 just over halfway through the second period.
“We controlled the play for the most part, but it was a back-and-forth game,” said Schwartz. “We got up 5-2 early in the third and then let them tie the game. We called time out, didn’t get too excited, and we ended up winning the game with three late goals.”
Schwartz said the Cobras seemed to respond quickly to challenges by Theodore throughout the game, including scoring the eventual game winning goal less than two minutes after the Buffalos had tied the game 5-5 a little over halfway through the third period.
Canora had eight different scorers find the net in this one. Derrick Scwartz led the way with a goal and three assists, giving him seven points for the weekend. Other goal scorers were Kody Rock, Carter Dereniwsky Cody Dubas and Logan Foster, who all chipped in with an assist each, as well as Skylar Wallin and Troy Zulyniak with single goals.
In keeping with the plan to make sure both goalies stay sharp, Brad Sentes was in the Cobras net against Theodore after Rylan Palchewich had picked up the win in Preeceville.
Following the weekend action, the Cobras have four skaters in the top 15 SEHL scorers for the season.
“It’s good when we spread the scoring around like that,” said Schwartz. “We don’t rely on any one guy, and usually get scoring from our top three lines.”
The Cobras have one game left before Christmas when they play at Swan Valley on Sat. Dec. 21. These two teams always seem to play entertaining games, whether it’s the playoffs or the regular season.
The Cobras will make their long-awaited return to the Civic Centre with a pair of home games against the Preeceville Pats and those same Swan Valley Axemen on Dec. 27 and 28.
“We hope everyone will come out to the games and cheer us on, especially if they’re looking for something fun to do after Christmas,’ said Schwartz.
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