CANORA - The 2022/23 season for the Canora Cobras senior hockey team is underway in the Sask East Hockey League, which has expanded from five teams to 10. The Cobras claimed one out of a possible four points in the first two games on Nov. 11 and 12, with a regulation loss and a shootout loss.
Canora made the trip south to Whitewood for a tilt against the Orioles to open the season on Nov. 11. The Cobras grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the first period, but the Orioles kept coming and eventually skated away with a 7-4 win. Goals for the Cobras came from the sticks of: Casey Mydonick of Canora, Troy Zulyniak of Yorkton, Colb Jacob of Churchbridge and Skyler Hladun of Langenburg. Zulyniak also added an assist, with other helpers coming from: Vaughn Wilgosh, Kody Rock and Ryley Stefanyshyn, all of Canora, and Cole Rathgeber of Yorkton.
Rylan Palchewich started the game in goal for the Cobras, with Durban Hleboff taking over in the second period. Both goalies are from Canora.
The next night, the Cobras appeared to be in tough in Rocanville against the defending champion Tigers. But the visitors played Rocanville even through regulation and overtime, only to go down to defeat in a shootout, with a final score of 5-4. The Cobras took a 3-1 lead early in the third period, but a furious comeback by the league champs overcame the deficit.
Skyler Hladun and Cole Rathgeber led the Cobras on offence with a goal and an assist each. Other goal scorers were Sean Kolodziejski of Hyas and Dreyton Paul of Preeceville. Durban Hleboff went all the way between the pipes for the Cobras.
The next action for Canora is the home opener on Nov. 19 versus Cote Selects, one of the new teams in the SEHL this season.
