The 2021/22 season of the Sask East Hockey League for the Canora Cobras came to a disappointing end after the Cobras were beaten 3 to 0 in the best-of-five first round playoff series by Rocanville.
On February 18 the Cobras travelled to Rocanville for game one against the Tigers. Captain Ryley Stefanyshyn of Canora scored an unassisted goal less than a minute into the first period, and things looked promising for the visitors. But Rocanville stormed back with 11 straight goals for an 11 to 1 victory and a 1 to 0 series lead. Rylan Palchewich of Canora was the goalie for the Cobras.
The next night the teams renewed hostilities at the Canora Civic Center. The game was tied 2 to 2 after two periods, but the Tigers found the net four times in the third for a final score of 6 to 2, and a lead of 2 to 0 in the series.
After the Tigers jumped out to a 2 to 0 lead in the first period, Ryley Stefanyshyn cut the lead in half with a goal early in the second, assisted by Lee Janett. With under four minutes left in the period, Carson Dennis, originally of Canora, scored a power play goal on a shot from the point to draw the Cobras even, with assists from Tanner Mak of Canora and Donnie St. Marie. But that proved to be the last Canora goal of the evening.
The teams returned to Rocanville for game three of the series, and the Tigers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Dakota Odgers scored two of his team's first four as the Tigers built up a 4 to 0 lead early in the second. Rocanville maintained their lead throughout, with a final score of 7 to 3.
Donnie St. Marie, Carson Dennis, and Skylar Hladun, originally of Canora, scored for the Cobras. St. Marie also contributed an assists, with other assists added by: Kody Rock and Ryley Stefanyshyn of Canora and Patrick Tran.
Adam Stokes was in goal for the Cobras in the final two games of the series.
“Our season came to an end on Friday, losing to a strong Rocanville team,” said Coach Terry Dennis. “Donnie St. Marie had two points and a strong game. The team player hard right until the last second and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.”
Dennis said the season as a whole definitely had its ups and downs.
“We had a strong start and at Christmas ran into some injuries and COVID problems. The boys continued to play hard but missing players hurt us a bit. I look forward to seeing most of the players coming back and we will be better next year.”
The fan support from Canora and surrounding area has been much appreciated.
“We had great fan support all year and would like to thank them along with all of our volunteers who helped out at every home game,” shared Dennis. “Also a huge thank you to assistant coaches Kelly McTavish and Terry Wilson for all the dedication in coaching the team. Thank you to President/Manager Cal Homeniuk and the executive for their hard work throughout the year.”
The season had a number of highlights but it was also filled with challenges, according to Homeniuk.
“We started with a 25-man roster but by the end we had only two to three lines so that hurt us in a big way,” he said. “Hopefully we can get a few more committed players next year to help out the rest of the team.”
Even though the Cobras were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Canora was a league leader in fan support.
“The fan support was great. I believe in the whole league we had the best attendance, hopefully they come out for next year” reported Homeniuk. “The volunteers, I would like to thank you for your work, it is much appreciated. For next year we are looking for more volunteers to help during the home games. Thanks to the bar workers, to the gate workers and off-ice officials, and to all the executives for your hard work and time. We have something to build on now and hopefully one day we will have a championship team for Canora.
“We will be having a spring meeting coming up to wrap the season up probably in May. We will elect some new people and discuss fundraising and other sponsorship ideas for next year. We are hoping to have the same teams in the league and would like to add a few more new ones. To the coaching staff of Terry Dennis, assistant coaches Terry Wilson and Kelly McTavish, thanks for your hard work and dedication. We are looking for a trainer for next year,” concluded Homeniuk.
