THEODORE - The Canora Cobras senior hockey team made the trip to Theodore on Friday for a tilt against the Buffalos, one of the top teams in the Sask East Hockey League. For a while it looked like Canora might be on the way to an upset, but a rash of penalties slowed them down and led to a 6-2 loss.
The Cobras got off to an excellent start, according to coach Darren Schwartz.
"We came out with a different approach from recent games," said Schwartz. "We were ready to play and we played hard right from the start. We were right there with Theodore and were tied 1-1 after the first period."
The game was tied 2-2 five minutes into the second period, but then the Cobras ran into penalty trouble. The Buffalos broke the tie with three goals later in the second period, and then added one more in the third to clinch the victory.
"We were called for a number of questionable penalties where calls didn't go our way, including giving Theodore a five-on-three power play," reported Schwartz. "I thought they were just good hard hits, but it was open to interpretation. It looked like the refs were worried about player safety."
Colby Jacob was the goal scorer for the Cobras in the first period, with assists from Ryley Stefanyshyn of Canora and Kolt Konan. Mathew Wilgosh of Canora netted the second goal unassisted early in the second period.
"Rylan Palchewich played well in goal in his first game action since the first game of the season," said Schwartz.
"Theodore is a young, fast hockey team with a good mix of experienced players. But we showed that we can play with them, and the other best teams in the league."
Theodore had 11 power play opportunities during the game, compared to only six for the Cobras.
Schwartz believes the Cobras are on the right track, and said they are very capable of stringing a number of wins together in upcoming games.
"I told the players not to change the way they're playing, that we can hang with the best teams in the league."
The next home action for the Cobras is on Friday against the visiting Swan Valley Axemen, who began the season with three wins in the first four games.
