CANORA – In another step toward peaking as a team, the Canora Cobras defeated the visiting Churchbridge Imperials 4-0 at the Canora Civic Centre on Dec. 5 in what turned out to be their only game of the weekend. The Cobras were scheduled to play in Rocanville the following evening, but that contest was postponed.
After the Churchbridge game, Cobras Coach Darren Schwartz judged it as one of their best efforts of the season. “It was an all-around good game,” said Schwartz. “We’re getting back to our game and playing the way we can. We played good defence and capitalized on our chances.”
In his first home game with the Cobras, goalie Ross Hawryluk of Regina was as good as he had to be and stopped all 29 Churchbridge shots.
“He’s a well-rounded goalie,” said Schwartz. “He should be a difference maker for us, we’re lucky to have him,” and added ,”He’s a confident goalie, which helps our guys around him.”
Even though the Cobras racked up 30 shots in the first two periods, they could only manage one goal.
“There was a bit of frustration among the guys at the second intermission,” said Schwartz. “But I told them they were getting lots of chances, which is the main thing. When you’re not getting chances, then it’s time to be worried.”
Sure enough, the Cobras peppered the Churchbridge net with 20 shots in the third period and found the net for three more goals.
Carson Sass of Melville opened the scoring for the Cobras in the first period. The three third period goals were the result of Canora’s continuing success on special teams. Scott Mickoski of Regina and Damian Bentz of Madge Lake each scored on the power play, and then Logan Foster of Grayson closed out the scoring with a shorthanded goal.
Bentz was the top playmaker with two assists. Contributing single helpers were: Foster, Mickoski, Carter Dereniwsky of Canora, Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede and Nikolas Gordon of Yorkton.
Schwartz said, if anything, success on special teams gets more and more important as the season rolls on.
“That’s how you win games, especially in the playoffs.”
As the Cobras get closer to the halfway mark of the season, Schwartz said they’re always looking to improve their playoff positioning.
“Division standings don’t matter that much. Playoff positioning is according to overall seeding, from one to eight. Since we had a slow start, right now we’re looking to at least get in position to get home ice advantage in the first round, or who knows, maybe we can go higher than that. The league is so tight right now, a hot streak can move you up in a hurry.”
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