After a dominant opening game effort in Hudson Bay on November 20 in their first game of the 2020/21 season in the new Sask East Hockey League, the Canora Senior Cobras home opener scheduled against the Ituna Avalanche for November 21 was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the team.
“The game had to be rescheduled because of COVID rules not allowing us to play two different teams on the same weekend,” said Terry Dennis, coach.
In the game in Hudson Bay, the Cobras started fast with four first period goals, on the way to a 13 to 1 final score.
Ryley Stefanyshyn of Canora and Logan Foster of Kamsack led the scoring attack for Canora with a hat trick each. Foster added a pair of assists for a five-point evening. William Hauber and Kody Rock, both of Canora, chipped in with a pair of goals each, while Sean Kolodziejski of Canora, Cole Rathgeber of Goodeve and Logan Hilderman of Kamsack added single markers. The winning goaltender was Blake Foster of Kamsack.
Dennis said he was pleased with the effort of his players in their first game together.
“We played a great game,” he enthused. “After a three-week tryout and getting the players picked they were excited to get on the ice and show their talent. The team came out with speed and finished checks all game. It was an all around good game by everyone.”
In addition to the hat tricks by Foster and Stefanyshyn, Dennis said Hauber was a standout on defence.
“He is our youngest player and had a strong game, handing out some thunderous hits and a pitching in on offense as well. In goal Blake Foster didn’t have a busy night but was sharp when he had to be.”
After Cal Homeniuk, president and general manager, decided to bring back the Senior Cobras earlier in the year, Dennis said it was an easy decision when he was asked to coach the team.
“I was honoured and said yes!” he recalled. “I picked Terry Wilson and Kelly McTavish as my two assistants. I coached a lot of these boys in minor hockey and love being at the rink with this group. We have a great bunch of guys from Canora, Kamsack, Preeceville, Langenburg, Goodeve, Yorkton and Melville. We have a great team and coaching staff. I’m excited for the season.”
The home opener has been rescheduled for November 28 at 8:30 p.m. versus Ituna at the Canora Civic Centre, followed by a visit to Ituna for a game on November 29.
