CANORA – As the calendar flips to January, the Canora Cobras find themselves right in the thick of the Sask East Hockey League playoff race.
The last game of 2025 was a disappointing 4-2 loss in Theodore, but the Cobras bounced back in a big way with a pair of wins to start January; 9-4 in Wapella, and then 6-3 at home over those same Theodore Buffalos.
Dec. 20: Buffalos capitalize on mistakes
The Cobras were scheduled to host the Buffs in Canora on Dec. 19, but that game was postponed due to stormy weather and lack of availability of officials.
“We were pumped up for the Friday game in Canora, there’s always been a big rivalry with Theodore,” said Cobras Coach Darren Schwartz. “Not playing that game hurt us the next night in Theodore, we just didn’t have our A game.”
The two teams were tied 1-1 after the first period, and 2-2 midway through the third. But two late goals by Theodore’s Konrad Mckay, the last one into an empty net, turned out to be the difference.
Kody Rock of Canora scored both Cobras goals, aided by two assists from Scott Mickoski of Regina, and single helpers by William Hauber of Canora and Austin Severson of Norquay.
“It was a close game and very even, but we made a couple of mistakes not picking up guys in the slot and Theodore capitalized,” said Schwartz. “We had chances to score, but we didn’t get in front of their goalie to make it harder to find the puck. We have to pay the price to win these games.
“We hit them at the start of the game, but not later on. They have some new players and they skate very well, we can’t let them do that.”
Schwartz said they need to get back to their winning ways in the New Year.
“We can beat anyone and we know that. The big thing is to make sure we get in the playoffs. At that point, anything can happen.”
Jan. 3: Down early, dominate late
After a two-week break for Christmas and the New Year, the Cobras were back on the ice with a tilt in Wapella against the Blackhawks on Jan. 3.
“It was a good first game for being back after the long break,” said Schwartz. “We got down early but shook off the rust, got our legs back, and took over from there.”
The home team was up 2-0 midway through the first period, but the Cobras roared back to take a 4-3 lead by the first intermission. Canora outscored Wapella 5-1 the rest of the way, resulting in a 9-4 final score.
Damian Bentz of Madge Lake and Scott Mickoski of Regina were the top shooters for the Cobras, with two goals and one assist each. Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede led the points parade with a goal and three assists. With three assists, Carson Sass of Melville continued to create plenty of offense from the Cobras defence. Other goal scorers were Austin Severson of Norquay, Nikoloas Gordon of Yorkton, Kody Rock of Canora and Logan Foster of Grayson. Rock and Foster each chipped in with an assist. Carter Dereniwsky of Canora and Cody Dubas of Invermay each added a pair of assists.
“As the game went on, we just started playing more of our game,” said Schwartz. “We battled hard. It got a bit rough at the end, but it was good to see the guys stick up for each other.”
Jan. 4: Victory at home
It took longer than expected, but the Theodore Buffalos traveled to Canora to take on the Cobras on Jan. 4 after the December trip was cancelled.
The Buffs scored first, but the home team bounced back to take a 3-1 lead by the end of the second period. From there on the Cobras never gave up that advantage, claiming a 6-3 victory.
“We came out and played a complete game,” said Schwartz. “It was close most of the way. We stuck to our game plan and played hard to the end. We had a little lapse but they didn’t score, we’re playing the way we’re supposed to.”
Logan Foster of Grayson sparked the Cobras offense with a pair of goals. Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede had a goal and two assists. Other Cobras to ‘light the lamp’ were Carter Dereniwsky and Kody Rock of Canora, and Damian Bentz of Madge Lake, with Rock and Bentz each adding an assist. Skylar Wallin of Margo was the top playmaker with three assists.
There was a steady stream of traffic to the penalty box during the last two periods, including a fight. Schwartz said it’s fair to say that these two teams don’t like each other.
“It’s been like that for a while, even back in the old Fishing Lake Hockey League days. It’s a good rivalry, probably will always be like that.”
There has been a noticeable change in the tight SEHL standings in recent weeks, and Schwartz expects that to continue right to the end of the regular season.
“The league is very strong this year, except Preeceville. Anyone can beat anyone on a given night. And with the playoff format seeding teams from first to eighth overall, divisions don’t matter.
“I told our guys, we just have to make playoffs. We can compete with anyone even if we’re sixth or seventh. But if we get on a hot streak, we could move up the standings in a hurry.”
Schwartz said the team deeply appreciates the strong fan support, even in the bitter cold or stormy weather so far this winter.
“We had a great crowd against Theodore.”
Next action for the Cobras is this Friday, Jan. 16, on the road against the Swan Valley Axemen.
The next home game is the following evening, Saturday, Jan. 17 versus the newest addition to the league, the Russell Rams.
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