CANORA — Even though they had a number of key players missing, the Canora Cobras gave a strong effort in the game against the visiting Theodore Buffalos at the Canora Civic Centre on December 18. Unfortunately for the Cobras, Theodore played a solid road game and doubled up the Cobras by a final score of 4 to 2.
Goalie Rylan Palchewich of Canora had a busy game for the Cobras, as he stopped 46 shots on the night including 25 in the first period, when the Cobras were outshot 26 to 9. Canora opened the scoring with 27 seconds left in the opening 20 minutes on an unassisted shorthanded goal by Skylar Hladun, originally of Canora. But Theodore replied less than 20 seconds later with a power play goal on the same Canora penalty, and the teams were tied at 1 to 1 heading into the first intermission.
Logan Calanchie broke the tie with a power play goal for the Buffalos early in the second and then Mike Rogoschewsky scored his second of the game to increase Cobras’ deficit to 3 to 1 before the end of the middle frame.
Palchewich held his team in the game until Dylan Johnson put it out of reach at 4 to 1 with about five minutes remaining in the third period.
In addition to his first period goal for the Cobras, Skyler Hladun also set up Cole Rathgeber's goal in the dying moments of the third. Tanner Denesowich also assisted on the second Canora goal, which made the final score 4 to 2.
The Buffalos can thank their power play for the final margin of victory, scoring twice in five opportunities. Canora went scoreless on 11 power play chances.
“It was an exciting game unfortunately resulting in a loss,” said Cobras Coach Terry Dennis.
“It was a great crowd of nearly 300 fans. Rylan Palchewich had an excellent game in net and although they had a lot of shots I think our defence did a good job of keeping them outside and cleaned up the rebounds. Missing a few players, we struggled offensively and again had the puck not bounce our way, hitting two goal posts and a cross bar. We know we can play better and look forward to the challenge in the new year. Thanks to all the fans for the support! Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!”
After the Christmas break, the Cobras are scheduled to return to action on the weekend of January 7 and 8 with road games in Ituna on Friday and Rocanville on Saturday. Canora’s next home game is on January 29 against those same Rocanville Tigers.
