As a way of encouraging local kids, the Canora Cobras hosted a Sask East Hockey League game against the visiting Rocanville Tigers to close out Minor Hockey Day on January 29. But Rocanville came out with a solid road game and defeated the Cobras by the score of 5 to 2.
The Tigers took control of the game early, with three goals before the end of the first period.
The Cobras responded with a strong effort in the final two periods and actually outscored the Tigers 2 to 1 before an empty net goal sealed the deal for Rocanville.
Carson Dennis, formerly of Canora, started the scoring for the Cobras late in the second period with a shot from the point, assisted by Darcy Sliva of Canora. Brandon Whitehawk of Kamsack added a power play goal early in the third, on assists from Lee Jannett and Donnie St. Marie, but that was the end of the scoring for Canora.
The Cobras were outshot 34 to 21 on the evening, but Rylan Palchewich of Canora had a strong game with numerous timely saves to keep it close. A total of nine minor penalties were assessed during the game, with six going to Rocanville.
Earlier in the week, the Cobras made the trip to Theodore on January 26 to make up a game originally scheduled for January 14. They had their hands full with the undefeated Buffalos, going down to a 9 to 0 defeat.
Theodore shot three goals past Cobras goalie Adam Stokes in the first period, then added two more in the second and four in the third to close out the scoring. Mike Rogoschewsky led the Buffalos offence with four goals, while Scott Woytas contributed four assists.
It was a relatively cleanly played game with only six minor penalties assessed, four to Theodore and a pair to the Cobras.
Cobras coach Terry Dennis gave an honest assessment of the team’s effort after the game in Theodore.
“Wednesday’s game against Theodore was the worst game we played all year,” said Dennis. “We didn’t skate well and our effort overall was poor. The players promised a better effort for Saturday.
“The Saturday game against Rocanville was a 5 to 2 loss but the team played a good game! We had a four-minute span in the first period where we gave up three goals and just couldn’t catch up. I really like that the players played hard right to the final buzzer. Carson Dennis had a strong game, scoring his first goal of the year. It was nice to get Brandon Whitehawk back after a few game absence and he scored the other goal.
“We had a lot of chances but ran into a hot goalie. We will be playing Rocanville in the playoffs and know we can play with them! It will be a good exciting playoffs. I want to thank the great support of a home town crowd of about 200.”
