The Canora Cobras crossed the half-way mark of their schedule over the holidays and celebrated it with a 5 game winning streak. However, the streak was broken at home on Saturday night in a first place showdown with the Theodore Buffaloes.
The Cobras began the holiday season with a road game on December 21st in Theodore. It was a four goal outburst that proved to be the difference in that game when Darryl Dickson, Ryan Kitchen, Darcy Sliva, and Todd MacMurchy all scored goals just 3:44 apart to give the Cobras a 6-2 victory. Daniel Lamb and Sean Kolodzjieski scored the other Cobra goals.
One night later, the Cobras jumped out to a 7-0 lead over the visiting Foam Lake Flyers, but had to hang on as the Flyers awoke in the third period, scoring 5 unanswered goals. The Cobras would win the game 10-5.
Five point nights by MacMurchy and Daniel Lamb helped the Cobras defeat the Kelliher Komets 6-3 on December 28th. MacMurchy had the hat trick, including one into an empty net, while Zack Woloshyn scored twice. Lamb scored the other goal. This game was one of the tamest hockey games ever, as only 4 minor penalties were dished out by the referee in this game. Jeremy Hrebenik picked up the win in the Cobra net.
Tame was not the word used to describe the following night’s trip to Kelvington. The Wheat Kings spent most of the game in the penalty box, accumulating 63 minutes in penalties, compared to the Cobras’ 10. The Cobra discipline paid off, as they scored four times on the power play on their way to a 7-5 victory. MacMurchy and Kevin Monastyrski each scored twice. Daniel Lamb, Zack Woloshyn, and Bryan Heshka scored singles. Jared Smutt got the victory in goal.
The Cobras made it 5 wins in a row this past Friday night with a 5-4 nail biter in Kelliher. The teams entered the final period deadlocked at 4, but Zack Woloshyn’s second goal of the game with 6:44 remaining proved to be the difference. Ries Mansuy (ending his Scott Niedermayer-type retirement), Sean Kolodzjieski, and Daniel Lamb scored single goals for the Cobras.
The Cobras returned home Saturday night, ready for a first place showdown with the Theodore Buffaloes. The Buffs walked all over the Cobras, reclaiming the top spot in the league, with a 6-3 win. Ryan Hauber, Daniel Lamb, and Zack Woloshyn were the goal scorers for the Cobras.
While the five game winning streak vaulted the Cobras into the top half of the FLHL standings, Saturday’s game was a reminder that there is a lot of improvement needed before the Cobras can get to the top to stay. The Cobras have been dismal at home, with only a 3-4 record, compared to a 5-1 record away from home. The Cobras seem to be lacking that killer instinct that is needed to put the opposition away for good. While the Cobras have taken early leads, they’ve let the opposition hang around for too long, allowing them opportunities to get right back into the game. The Cobras sit in second spot at 8-5, but nobody is satisfied! It’s championship or bust!!
The Cobras will take on the Foam Lake Flyers on Friday night for the fifth and final time this season. Game time at the Canora Civic Centre is 8:30. On Saturday, the Cobras travel to Kelvington. See you at the rink!
