For the first time in just over four years, the Canora Cobras find themselves with a losing record. Not since December 2003 have the Cobras looked at the standings and saw more losses then victories. Following Friday night’s 7-4 loss in Foam Lake, the Cobras record dropped to 3-4.
Once again, it was a small lineup that faced the Flyers. Only 11 skaters were set to take on the full powered Flyers. The Cobras played a very sound hockey game – albeit for only the first 40 minutes. Taking a 3-2 lead into the third period, the Cobra gas tanks hit empty early in the third period, as the Flyers scored 5 times en route to a 7-4 victory.
Although the Cobras started the game with 11 skaters, it was quickly dwindled down to 10. Early on, rookie Sean Kolodzjieski laid out some punishing body checks at guys twice his size and twice his age. However, he paid the price as one of the Flyers took exception to his physical game. Immediately after a faceoff, Kolodzjieski was speared, pushed down, and never given a chance to defend himself. Both players were ejected and the Cobras were down to 10 skaters for the remainder of the game.
Todd MacMurchy scored twice, while Kevin Monastyrski and newcomer Matt Lubinecki added singles. Lubinecki was playing his first game with the Cobras after signing earlier in the week. Lubinecki played the past 3 seasons with the now-defunct Preeceville Pats.
On Saturday, the Cobras were given an unexpected day off. There was a malfunction in the Kelvington Arena, and as a result, the Cobra road trip to Kelvington to face the Wheat Kings was called off. No make-up date has been set yet.
The normal recipe for success in winning hockey games is the same at any level – goal scoring, solid goaltending, flawless defence, staying out of the penalty box, etc. To tell you the truth, the Cobras have been good at all facets of the game. For some reason, we can’t put it all together when it counts. As has been said in the past, from a talent perspective, the Cobras are at the top of the Fishing Lake Hockey League. The challenge has been putting it all together and on a consistent basis. Rest assured, the Cobras will continue to strive for perfection with the intention of peaking right at the perfect time – playoffs.
The Cobras will face a major test on Friday night when they head to Theodore to face off against the first-place Buffaloes. On Saturday, the Cobras return home to face the Foam Lake Flyers. In a scheduling quirk, it will be the fourth time that these two teams meet already in this young season. Former Cobra Charlie Keshane has suited up for the Flyers the past couple of weekends and will mark his return to Canora on Saturday night. Game time is 8:00.
At this time, the entire Canora Cobra family would like to wish all of our fans, sponsors, and supporters all the best during this holiday season. Please have a safe and wonderful Christmas season and we wish you all the best during the New Year!!
