The Canora Cobras ended the Sask East Hockey League regular season with a pair of road games, going down to defeat by 8 to 6 in Whitewood, and 7 to 3 against the undefeated Theodore Buffalos.
After two convincing wins over the Whitewood Orioles earlier in the season, the Canora Cobras visited Whitewood on February 2 for the final game of the regular season between the two teams. The Orioles were ready for the challenge, and earned an 8 to 6 victory in a back-and-forth contest that included a six-goal third period.
The Cobras trailed 2 to 1 after the first period, but battled back to tie Whitewood at four goals each after the second. The Orioles were too much for an undermanned Canora squad in the third, and outscored the Cobras 4 to 2 for the final margin of victory.
For the Cobras on offence, Cole Rathgeber, originally of Canora, and Patrick Tran each potted two goals, with Tran adding an assist for his night’s work. Kody Rock of Canora led the points parade with one goal and three assists. Brandon Whitehawk of Kamsack chipped in with a goal and an assist. Adam Stokes was the goaltender for the Cobras.
There was only one penalty through the first two periods but things got much more intense in the third. In all, the teams were whistled for a total 36 minutes in penalties, including two fighting majors for a scrap in the third period and one game misconduct assessed to each team.
“The team was short with only 10 players and a goalie but played a good game against a full Whitewood lineup,” reported Coach Terry Dennis. “Patrick Tran, Cole Rathgeber and Kody Rock all had strong games for the Cobras. The game was tied until there was 1:20 left in the third period.”
On February 4, the Cobras closed out the regular season in Theodore with a 7 to 3 loss against the first-place Buffalos.
Captain Ryley Stefanyshyn scored all three goals to lead the Cobras on offence. Assists came from Kody Rock (two), Brandon Whitehawk and Lee Janett.
A total of seven minor penalties were assessed, with five going to the Buffalos.
“We played a good game but had two lapses of four minutes each in the first period in which they scored a total of four goals, then they added three goals in the second period,” said Dennis. “We now get ready to play Rocanville in the first round of the playoffs and are looking forward to a good series. The best-of-five series will start the weekend of February 18 to 20.”
