CANORA – “It reminds you why you started to play hockey when you were a kid.”
Carter Dereniwsky, captain of the senior Canora Cobras, said he and several of his teammates thoroughly enjoyed an evening of playing road hockey with young players from the Canora Minor Hockey Association. One of the featured events of Canora’s Winter Lights festival, Dereniwsky was joined on Main Street outside the Civic Centre by teammates Carson Dereniwsky, Tanner Mak, Tanner Denesowych. William Hauber and Carter Lake.
“It was fun,” said Carter, “but the kids definitely had a lot more energy than us.”
Casey Mydonick, Cobras general manager, said after the success of the road hockey event at Minor Hockey Day back in January, the Cobras were definitely ready to be involved again, “to show support for minor hockey and the kids, the kids look up to the senior players. We like to be active in the community.”
Always on the lookout for up-and-coming young hockey talent, Mydonick said, “You can tell there are some competitive kids coming up in the Canora minor hockey system.”
The number of youngsters involved was down somewhat, but that was at least partially because the U11 Cobras were on the ice for a practise at the same time.
“So after the road hockey, the senior Cobras went on the ice with the U11’s to get them involved,” said Mydonick, adding that they were grateful that the weather co-operated for the road hockey.
“Weather was decent, just a little wind with temperature close to normal for early December.”
Carter Dereniwsky said he is enjoying his new role as the senior Cobras team captain, including being involved in the road hockey event. Canora didn’t have a senior hockey team when he was starting out in minor hockey, but he has vivid memories of the Yorkton Terriers coming to Canora to visit minor hockey teams.
“Any time the older guys came out it would make the skate more enjoyable, everyone would try a little harder.”
After playing with the kids, Dereniwsky said it was easy to see that the road hockey event was a lot of fun for most of the young players.
“You can tell the Cobras are a big part of the community. Something like road hockey is important to bring the community together. In a small town, minor hockey is huge. It gives kids a chance to grow, learn life lessons and not just hockey. They meet so many people through sport that you don’t meet otherwise. We are leading the way in a sense, making kids feel good, helping to keep them out of trouble. Minor Hockey takes the kids places they might not be able to go otherwise.”
Organizers are hoping to attract more participants to road hockey next year, and make it an annual Canora event.
Dereniwsky said he and his teammates enjoy the opportunity to participate in local events.
“The team really appreciates support we get. Any time we get a chance to give back to the community, it’s fun.”
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