CANORA - In future years, when Canora and area residents think back on the 2024/25 minor hockey season in Canora, chances are good they will remember that Canora hosted Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, a once-in-a-lifetime event.
But at the Canora Minor Hockey Association banquet and awards night on April 11 at Rainbow Hall, all were reminded that the season featured other highlights as well.
Kelly Beblow was named the winner of the Jerry Mydonick volunteer award. In his absence, it was accepted by his son Briel and wife Leanna.
Kayden Harder of Canora, a member of the U18 Cobras, was recognized for 小蓝视频 one of 24 young Saskatchewan on-ice officials to be invited to the Sask First U15 officiating camp.
Graduating U18 Cobras players are: Briel Beblow, Connor Kraynick and Owen Lowe of Canora, Cole Masley of Sturgis and Alaina Roebuck of Buchanan.
Each team presented awards for team spirit, sportsmanship, dedication and also the Jerry Mydonick heart and hustle award.
U7
U7 Canora Cobras Head Coach Dayne Babchishin praised the players for a season filled with “effort, hard work and dedication. Thanks also to assistant coaches Parker Rice and Will Dupperon, and Blare Stewart, manager.”
Award winners for the U7 Cobras were: Jeremiah Severight (most improved), Riley Bobyk (most dedicated), Roman Demossiac (team spirit) and Jake Shewchuk (Jerry Mydonick Award).
U9
With a large number of players, the U9 age group was split into two teams this past season.
Kelly McTavish was the head coach of U9 black, assisted by Parker Rice, along with Jodie Kowalyshyn, team manager.
“I’m grateful for the privilege of coaching this team,” said McTavish. “We had a good year and a lot of fun, playing in three tournaments plus league games.”
U9 Black award winners were: Owen Kozmanuik (most improved), Jolene Wegner (most dedicated), Mae McTavish (team spirit), Lowell Rice (Jerry Mydonick Award) and Coach McTavish decided to add a coach’s choice award, which went to Noah Galli.
For the U9 White team, Brendon Skibinsky was the head coach with Kayden Harder as assistant coach, and Amy Nordin served as manager.
Skibinsky commended his team on an excellent season.
“Coming off the ice, they always had a smile on their faces. We played together, we won as a team and lost as a team The players progressed a lot during the season.”
U9 White award winners were: Lev Blauva (most improved), Anikin Nordin (most dedicated), Lachlan Baillie (team spirit) and Kolson Skibinsky (Jerry Mydonick Award).
U11
A number of Canora players were members of the U11 Preeceville Pats this past season.
Canora award winners were Braden Skibinsky (Jerry Mydonick Award) and Ali Herriges (most sportsmanlike). Other award winners were Jaxson Severight (most improved) and Koy Babiuk (most dedicated). The team was coached by Conrad Peterson, with assistant coaches Brendon Skibinsky, JJ Johnson and Treven Leason. The manager was Kristen Peterson.
Since Coach Peterson was absent, Skibinsky shared his thoughts on a rewarding season.
“We won the D Banner. These players, after Christmas, they must have got some great presents, because in the new year we won most of our games.”
U15 Prairie Ice
The head coach of the U15 Prairie Ice girls team this past season was Nicole Korpusik. She thanked her assistants Greg Smith, Greg Olson, Ryan Andres; Trainer Bowdrie Northrop, and Manager Jaime Johnson.
“Our team comes from communities all over the region,” said Korpusik. “We had an incredible year; last year we were second-last in our division, this year we moved up to second.”
Ice award winners were: Alyssa Werner of Springside (most improved), Morgan Olson of Sturgis (team spirit), Rylee Coleman of Sturgis (Jerry Mydonick Award) and Karissa Keewatin of Cote First Nation (most dedicated).
U15 Highway 9 Predators
The U15 Highway 9 Predators, coached by Terry Demchuk, had a successful season with a lengthy playoff run. Demchuk was grateful for the help of assistant coaches Jeff Sznerch and Riley Erickson, Goalie Coach Jared Lukey and Manage Maggie Lukey.
“Our players came from many different communities, and most had never played together before,” said Demchuk. “We had a really good year, winning the A side of the Canora tournament, finishing second in our league, winning the first-round series in provincials, and making it all the way to the league A banner final.”
Preds award winners were: Ethan Balawayder of Preeceville (most sportsmanlike), Kasen Heshka of Canora (Jerry Mydonick Award), Carson Chernoff of Kamsack (most improved) and Gavin Erickson of Preeceville (most dedicated).
U18
The U18 Canora Cobras also had a roster made up of players from many different area communities. Staff members were: Adam Vangen (head coach); Jeff Sznerch, Ryan Hauber, Dean Serdachny and Jordan Vogel (assistant coaches), and Sherri Roebuck (manager).
Since Vogel is in his final season with the team, he shared his thoughts on the season.
“We had a great year, including beating Melville in overtime at home in the playoffs, and making in to the B banner final in our league.”
Award winners were: Jake Soltys of Sturgis (most dedicated), Cole Masley of Sturgis (most improved), Connor Kraynick of Canora (most sportsmanlike) and Jace Vogel of Pelly (Jerry Mydonick Award).
An eventful year
Looking back over the past season, CMHA President Stacy Vangen said the season started with the extensive application process to host Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, which raised over $160,000 toward the construction of a new hockey rink and community centre in Canora.
“I am so thankful that, as a group, we decided to take on this challenge and opportunity,” said Vangen. “Hockey Day 2025 was a special event for us as a community, and I think we will all remember the celebrations, community spirit and community pride that filled that week. The fundraising efforts are a testament to the generosity and volunteerism that builds Canora as a community. Canora boasts the third highest funds ever raised through Hockey Day in Saskatchewan since its inception in 2008.”
Vangen said there were numerous other highlights during the season that bode well for the future of minor hockey in Canora.
“Our strong numbers in our younger age groups of U7 and U9 bring hope for the longevity we will see in this association. We continue to see strong leadership and growth in our female programming across all ages. We saw the strength of communities coming together and players having the opportunity to grow and play together when they had only been opponents in previous years. Some of our successes show up on the scoreboard but more importantly, our success is also measured in how we work together, the lesson we teach, and the lessons we learn, both as players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and fans.”
Next season
Turning to the 2025/26 season, Vangen said it’s still a little too early to tell how many teams will be based in Canora.
“We will continue to work together with neighbouring communities to ensure all players have the opportunity to play hockey. We are hopeful to run a similar slate of Canora-based teams to what we had this season and the season previously.”
As always, Vangen said continued community support is vital to the continued success of the Canora Minor Hockey Association.
“Our board of directors would like to thank everyone for your continued support of our players, both on and off the ice, through fundraising efforts, and in all things minor hockey does throughout the season. Minor hockey, along with other sports, are pivotal to helping our youth with physical, emotional, and mental health as they navigate growing up and becoming young adults.”
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking Canora Courier's homepage at this link.
Bookmark SASKTODAY.ca, Saskatchewan's home page, at this link.
