With the first season of the new Sask East Hockey League almost here, members of the Canora Senior Cobras are getting ready for their first game action.
Of course, with COVID-19 prominent across the region, the pandemic is on the minds of local hockey fans and players alike. But Cal Homeniuk, Cobras president and general manager, said plans are in place for the season to start on time, barring any unforeseen changes in the COVID situation.
Homeniuk said he鈥檚 looking forward to the start of action for the new nine-team league. In addition to the Cobras, the other teams are: Hudson Bay Hunters, Theodore Buffaloes, Ituna Avalanche, Bredenbury Cougars, Esterhazy Flyers, Rocanville Tigers, Langenburg Warriors and Moosomin Rangers.
In addition to local players, the Cobras鈥� roster includes talent from a number of area communities. The goaltenders are Rylan Palchewich of Canora and Blake Foster of Kamsack. Members of the defence are: Matt Wilgosh, Carson Dennis, Tyler Ostoforoff and William Hauber, all of Canora, along with Tyler Stratechuk of Springside, Logan Hilderman of Kamsack and Tanner Denesowich of Yorkton. The forwards are: Casey Mydonick, Sean Kolodziejski, Tanner Kopeck, Bryce Pelechaty, Kody Rock, Ryley Stefanyshyn and Skyler Hladun, all of Canora, Brandon Whitehawk and Logan Foster of Kamsack, Noah Tonn of Preeceville, Cole Rathgeber of Goodeve, and Tanner Mak and Brayden Fogg of Yorkton.
鈥淐anora should have a competitive team right from the start,鈥� said Homeniuk. 鈥淲e have a fast offensive-minded group with an average defense and above-average goaltending. I expect the Cougars will improve as the season progresses and the players get to know each other better, peaking just in time for the playoffs.鈥�
Canora and area hockey fans have already shown strong support for the return of the Cobras, as season tickets were sold out well before the team hit the ice for the first game.
鈥淒ue to social distancing, we have set a limit of 150 fans per game,鈥� said Homeniuk. 鈥淔ifty single game tickets will be available for each home game, in addition to the 100 season ticket holders.鈥�
Game day tickets are available from Community Insurance and the Town of Canora.
The season starts for the Cobras with a game in Hudson Bay on November 20, followed by the home opener at the Canora Civic Centre on November 21 versus Ituna.
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