CANORA, SASK.- It’s October, and that means hockey season is here.
Returning as Canora Minor Hockey president, Stacy Vangen has a message for local hockey fans.
“We are looking forward to the coming season and all it will bring, said Vangen. “It's exciting to have consistent registration numbers and a bright future for CMH.”
The Canora-based teams for the coming season will be: The U18 Cobras, the 18 Prairie Ice female team, U11 and U9 Cobras, along with a pair of U7 teams (U7 Red and U7 Black), which bodes well for the future of Canora minor hockey.
“We were unable to have a U13 team as we had no goaltender in that age group, and we have no U15 team as all our Canora U15 players made higher level teams,” said Vangen.
The coaches and other staff lined up for each team Canora-based team include:
• U7 Red Cobras – coach Clayton Malanowich, assistant Kylie Toffan, manager Holly Stephanuik
• U7 Black Cobras – coach Todd Bobyk, assistant Sheldon Danyluk, manager Shimonay Danyluk
• U9 Cobras – coach Dayne Babchishin, assistants Parker Rice and Zach Toffan, manager Santana Galli
• U11 Cobras – coach Dustin Kortmeyer, assistants Parker Rice and Zach Toffan, manager Amy Nordin
• U18 Prairie Ice – head coach Nicole Korpusik; assistants Greg Smith, Travis Werner, J.J. Johnson and Marieve Elliot; manager Lisa Kosokwosky
• U18 Cobras – Coach Adam Vangen, assistants Jeff Sznerch and Jared Lukey, manager Cindy Sznerch
Currently there are 86 players registered in Canora for the coming season, a bit lower than expected.
“We did have over 100 registered however due to players making higher level teams we are down to 86,” said Vangen. “We are still accepting U7 registrations. We are proud of all of our Canora players that have made higher level teams and the strong testament to the hockey culture in Canora. These male and female players are playing at the AA level in U11, U13, U15, U16 and U18, as well as U13A and U15A girls.”
As in recent years, CMH continues to work with surrounding communities to fill out combined teams where needed, but Vangen said local friends and family will still have the opportunity to see players who have earned a spot on higher level teams.
“We look forward to hosting U18AA, U15AA, and U13A Parkland Phoenix as they play home games in Canora,” said Vangen. “All of these teams have local Canora and area girls playing with them, and we are excited to have them back at the Civic Center this winter.”
Fans looking forward to seeing game action in Canora don’t have long to wait. The Cobras’ tournament schedule is as follows.
U18: Oct. 24-25
U11: Nov. 14
U9: Dec. 5
U7: Dec. 12
The U7 Jamboree will be held on Nov. 21, and Canora Minor Hockey Weekend is set for Jan. 22 and 23, 2027.
Vangen said CHM is still looking for a U7/U9 mentor.
“This person would be a resource person for the U7/U9 coaches to help guide them in learning to coach and work with younger players. Hockey Sask offers support and reimbursement for expenses for anyone interested in filling this role.”
Everyone in Canora and surrounding area is encouraged to come out and watch minor hockey in the coming season, whether in tournaments or league play. Vangen said the needed information is available online.
“Schedules can be found on the Town of Canora website, also follow us on Facebook at Canora Minor Hockey or at canoraminorhockey.com.”
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