CANORA - The seventh-place Canora Cobras, with players from Canora, Buchanan, Sturgis, Stenen, Norquay and Pelly, faced the second-place Melville Millionaires in the first round of the U18 Major Hockey League playoffs, but the series played out tighter than the regular season standings would suggest.
Game 1 in Canora on Feb. 12 went to overtime before the Cobras won on a goal by Briel Beblow of Canora. The series then shifted to Melville, where the Millionaires came back with wins of 6-3 on Feb. 16 and 5-2 on March 2 to take the series.
Cobras Coach Adam Vangen gave credit to the whole team for the Game 1 victory.
“Our win in Game 1 was very exciting,” said Vangen. “Our success was the result of our team coming together and we saw contributions from every player. Our team hasn’t seen as many wins as we have in other seasons so this victory was extra special to us. The buzz in the dressing room after the win was a season highlight for sure.”
Briel Beblow of Canora led the way for the Cobras with a hat trick, including the overtime winner. The other goal scorer was Linden Roebuck of Buchanan, who also had an assist. Noah Bell of Sturgis was the top playmaker with two assists.
“In Game 2 and 3 in Melville we put in the work but came up short,” said Vangen. “We knew we had the ability to beat Melville, we had defeated them once in the regular season and again in the Game 1 double OT win. In Game 3 we were down 3-2 and there were a couple controversial goals that were allowed with one goal being kicked in. On another goal, a player was on the ice without a neck guard and the play was not whistled down. Add to that a few penalties and we just ran out of time.”
In Games 2 and 3, Briel Beblow continued his strong play with four goals and an assist. Avyn Seerey of Sturgis contributed a goal and two assists. Cooper Kraynick of Canora and Jake Soltys of Sturgis each added a pair of assists.
The Cobras next opponent is Whitewood in the B semifinal, playing for the right to compete for the B Banner.
“Coaching these kids has been an honour,” said Vangen. “Getting to know and building relationships with these players is really rewarding and a special part of coaching. They are all my ‘second kids’ and I look forward to what every season brings.”
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