CANORA - Hard at work with on-ice practices since mid-October, the Canora Cobras are looking forward to the new Sask East Hockey League season.
After a 2023/24 season that included a 17-game winning streak and a stunning come-from-behind victory in the SEHL North Division final, General Manager Cal Homeniuk said the focus of the Cobras is on bigger and better things this season.
“We were in the hunt, the boys got a taste of the league final last year, we want to get over that last hurdle and win a championship.”
Darren Schwartz, the 2023/24 SEHL Coach of the Year, is back for his second season behind the Cobras bench.
“Last year we started in the middle of the pack and made it to the league final, but the job’s not done. We won’t be happy until we win the league. We’re excited to finish what we started last year.”
Gone from last season’s roster are Skylar Hladun (retired) and Jake Heerspink. Newcomers include: Carter Dereniwsky of Canora, who played in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season, Skylar Wallin of Margo, Schwartz’s son Derrick, formerly of the archrival Theodore Buffalos, and goalie Brad Sentes of Regina.
“The team is looking better than last year,” said Homeniuk. “We have more scoring balance, with three exceptional scoring lines and a strong fourth line for depth. Our young guys on defence should benefit from another year of experience. And with Darren back as coach this year, the players know what to expect.”
On the current roster of 25 names, Homeniuk said there is a strong local flavour, with 19 local players that fans may know.
The first action of the new season for the Cobras is on Nov. 22 in Churchbridge, with the home opener on Nov. 30 versus Wapella. The Cobras play six of their first seven games on the road to “hopefully get the longest road trips out of the way before winter really sets in.
“All the teams will be better than last year,” said Homeniuk. “Swan Valley, Theodore, Langenburg, Rocanville; anyone can beat anyone on any given night. But if we stay healthy, we have a good chance to win a league championship.”
“And we’re entering in provincials again. Last year was a good experience; we raised our game. We can learn and be better this year.”
For home games, the Cobras are looking for volunteers to work the gate, the bar and 50/50. Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to phone Cal Homeniuk at 306-563-8337.
After several weeks of practice, Schwartz said the new additions seem to be fitting in well, and the team is looking forward to hitting the ice again in front of their enthusiastic hometown fans.
“Hopefully they come and support us like last year, we have similar team to last year with a few additions to help us get where we want to go.”
“Should be a very exciting year,” added Homeniuk, “please come out. The quality of hockey will be even better that last year, great family entertainment. If not for the fans and sponsors, we couldn’t have a team.”
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