CANORA - The Canora Cobras had a busy and productive weekend, taking a 2-0 lead in their SEHL best-of-five semifinal series against the archrival Theodore Buffalos, and also receiving a pair of league awards for the 2024/25 regular season.
Game 1
Due to the lack of rink availability in Canora, Game 1 went in Theodore on Feb. 28, even though the Cobras had a better regular season record.
Game 1 was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams holding the leads at different times. Cobras Coach Darren Schwartz said Canora played well in the first period, but were unable to carry that momentum in the second.
“We had a very bad second period,” said Schwartz. “We did a terrible job of executing during a power play, and eventually ended up trailing 3-2 going into the third period.”
The Cobras scored a pair of early goals to take the lead in the third, but the Buffs pulled their goalie and scored a last minute goal to force overtime. Schwartz said he was pleased with his team’s response in the extra period, resulting in a 5-4 win.
“We didn’t panic,” he said. “We bounced back in overtime and ended the game with a goal on the first shift, only 29 seconds in.”
Leading the attack for the Cobras were Scott Mickoski of Regina (including the OT winner) and Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede with a pair of goals each, and Schwartz added an assist. The other marksman was Brett Duczek of Grayson.
Awards
Prior to Game 2 in Canora the following evening, a pair of Cobras were recognized with SEHL awards. Canora native Carter Dereniwsky was named Rookie of the Year after finishing the season with 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 13 games.
“That was perfect, he deserved it,” said Schwartz. “At only 20 years old he had a great first year, pretty much took the league over.”
For the second straight year, Schwartz was named SEHL Coach of the Year, and was appreciative of the honour. “But credit goes to the guys on our team. Without them, I don’t get the award. They listen, and they’re a great group to coach.”
Game 2
When the puck was dropped for Game 2, things did not start well for the Cobras in a wild first period, which ended in a 4-4 tie.
“I was not impressed with our start,” said Schwartz. “It’s rare for us to give up four goals in one period.”
The Cobras turned things around in the second, and “started playing our game,” according to Schwartz. “We got back to playing our system after the first period. We shut them down without a goal in the third. We were really good and ended up winning 8-5.”
Paid attendance for Game 2 was 380, and the support from the hometown fans was much appreciated.
“The were loud and really into it,” said Schwartz. “As usual, Theodore brought their fans and made things interesting.”
Carter Dereniwsky led the Cobras offense with two goals and two assists. Logan Foster of Kamsack was close behind with two goals and a single assist. Cody Dubas of Invermay and Derrick Schwartz of Runnymede each contributed a goal and an assist. The other goal scorer was Scott Mickoski of Regina.
After trailing their second round series 2-0 a year ago against Swan Valley and coming back to win it, Schwartz said he and the Cobras players know first-hand that this series is far from over.
“As we saw tonight, Theodore can obviously score goals. It’s not over until the final whistle of the third win.”
“We’re hoping for a full barn for Game 3 in Canora. We need a big crowd to cheer us on. We have to get a full sixty-minute effort from every player.”
Game 3, with Theodore facing elimination, hits the ice on Friday, March 7 in Canora. Game 4 goes Saturday night in Theodore, if necessary.
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