For the fourth consecutive year, the Canora Cobra season ended with a goal in overtime. Unfortunately, it is now three consecutive years that the Cobras have given up that overtime goal to end their season. On Sunday afternoon, the Kelvington Wheat Kings scored just 1:57 into the extra frame to win the game 5-4 and win the best of 5 semi-final series in 5 games.
In past years, it was a skeleton Cobra crew that was forced to go into battle this late in the year. This season, the Cobras were loaded up with bodies, talent, heart, and desire and were ready to take on the challenger. But, it wasn’t meant to be as the Cobras will be forced to the sidelines for the league championship series between the Wheat Kings and Theodore Buffaloes (who disposed of the Kelliher Komets in 5 games).
The Cobras and Wheat Kings entered the weekend deadlocked at one win apiece. The Cobras came out gunning on Friday night, scoring 4 times in the opening period, but had to hang on for a 7-4 victory. Todd MacMurchy scored three times while Zack Woloshyn, Skylar Hladun, Bryan Heshka, and Daniel Lamb added singles. The Cobras were dealt some terrible luck in this game, as Woloshyn’s strong rookie season came to an end early in the first period as he suffered a knee injury that would sideline him indefinitely. Shortly after, the Cobras were dealt another blow when Tanner Denesowych also suffered a knee injury that sent him off to the sidelines.
The Cobras headed to Kelvington on Saturday night, down two guys, but still optimistic about knocking off the Wheat Kings. The Cobras dominated the game but couldn’t find the back of the net and fell to the home side, 3-2. Sean Kolodzjieski and Bryan Heshka were the goal scorers.
It all came down to a final game with the victor heading off to the finals. The Cobras held home ice advantage and looked to take full benefit. However, prior to the game, a peculiar ruling came down from the league. The loud horn which gave the Cobras a lift in game 3 and was perched in the VIP box at the Civic Centre was deemed a distraction by the league executive and the Cobras were forbidden to use it!!
The Cobras took the early 1-0 lead on a goal by Bryan Heshka – his third goal in three nights. But, just 16 seconds after the opening goal, the Cobras were dealt another big blow. The Cobras’ leading scorer, Daniel Lamb, was assessed a checking from behind penalty and a game misconduct. The Cobra offence, which was struggling, would be without its biggest weapon in the biggest game of the year. Moments later, the Cobras would be down another body when Ian Yaholnitsky suffered a knee injury and was forced to leave the game as well. The Wheat Kings pounced on the opportunity, scoring two quick goals to take the lead. They would add a third goal in the middle period to take a 3-1 lead going into the final period.
The Cobras would finally be rewarded for their hard work. Ries Mansuy scored half way through the third to cut the lead to 1. The Wheat Kings answered right back just 38 seconds later. But, the Cobras would add two more on goals by Sean Kolodzjieski and Darcy Sliva to tie the game. The momentum was all in the Cobras favor.
A late third period penalty gave the Cobras a power play. Relentless pressure by the Cobras almost ended the game in the hometown’s favor. But, the Wheat Kings managed to keep the puck out. Overtime loomed and the Cobras were confident. However, less then 2 minutes in, the Wheat Kings got a lucky bounce and the puck sailed into the top corner of the Cobra net, giving them the victory and the series, ending the Cobra season.
Sadly, another season has come to an end – way too early. The natural question to ask now is what the future holds? The Cobras have a great core of players that are dedicated to this game and this community and I hope they all can keep it going. For the first time that I’ve been associated with the Cobras, the team has some great young up and coming talent. Guys like Sean Kolodzjieski and Skylar Hladun, along with the rest of their midget squad give the Cobras something to look forward to.
As the season comes to a disappointing end, we do wish to pause and express our very sincere gratitude to all of our hard-working, loyal, and dedicated volunteers. Throughout the season, all of the players are focused on hockey and never take the time to realize where we would be without our faithful support. It is the volunteers that keep local hockey squads alive and it’s all of your work that makes us successful. Thank you all for a great season!
