Coaldale Cobras and the community honour graduating U18C players

Sunny South News Photo Submitted. COALDALE COBRAS SENIOR NIGHT: The U18C Coaldale Cobras and the community came together to honour the Graduating Class of 2026, with a special Senior Night presentation during their last regular-season home game on Feb. 15.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The U18C Coaldale Cobras and the community came together to honour the Graduating Class of 2026, with a special Senior Night presentation during their last regular-season home game on Feb. 15. 

Prior to puck drop at the Coaldale Sportsplex, each of the 14 graduating players were introduced in a special ceremony. These players are graduating high school in 2026 and are in their final season with the Cobras and Coaldale Minor Hockey. 

“It’s a way to honour the kids that are graduating and acknowledge the hard work and years of dedication that they’ve put into minor hockey,” said Chenairy Stalwick, mom to one of the graduating players. “It’s also a time where we get to close the chapter (on minor hockey). This will be the last home game they play in the regular season. 

“It’s one minute of time in their whole (minor hockey journey) where they just get to be the seniors and reflect on their accomplishments, and we get to celebrate them for everything they’ve done,” she added.   

The Coaldale Cobras U18C team consists of 16 players ages 17 and 18, and of the 14 graduating players, there is a group of eight that have been playing hockey together since they were six-years old. 

Stalwick noted the U18C Coaldale Cobras are hosting the Hockey Alberta U18C Provincial Championships March 26-29, and this year in particular, the team has put forth a tremendous effort in the regular season – one that she expects will continue throughout the playoffs and into the provincial championships. 

    “The buy-in from the kids for the season is just like their effort and their ability to come together and their dedication to each other,” said Stalwick. “They’re so excited to be able to celebrate all of this together as a group.” 

The U18C Cobras finished their regular season with a 11-4 win over High Country. The team secured a first place finish and had home ice advantage in three of the five first-round games. 

Games 1 and 2 were held in Coaldale Feb. 20 and 21 with Game 3 at the Logan Boulet Arena in Lethbridge on Feb. 28 against Lethbridge White. Game 4 was on March 7 in Coaldale against High River, and the Cobras finished the first round with Game 5 in High River against Foothills at the Bob Snoggrass Arena.