The Yorkton AAA Harvest continue to ramp up the intensity in anticipation of opening night.
With players still fighting for spots on the team, the Harvest played host to the Tisdale Trojans on Saturday in an exhibition clash.
While the 2-2 tie was an uninspiring result, the game was a spirited affair with many chances for both teams.
Riley Stefanyshyn got the scoring started for the Harvest with an unassisted marker just over eight minutes into the contest.
The Harvest then made it 2-0 before the period was out on a goal by Dustin Minto, assisted by Roderick Sewap.
Tisdale responded with two goals of their own in the second period, knotting the game back up.
The teams would proceed to play a scoreless third period plus another five minutes of overtime.
Jeff Odgers, the acting Head Coach for the game, says that the contest was an eye-opener for the youngsters who haven't played at the AAA level before.
"It's a step up with the speed and a lot of us are just seeing how (the newcomers) react to the speed, if they're intimidated (and) decision-making, because you've got a lot less time to make decisions with better players and less time, so I think a lot of that is looking at how you adapt," Odgers demonstrates.
In assessing the game itself, the coach lamented the Harvest's inability to maintain their first period momentum.
The first period we got some breaks that went the way we wanted. Second period I thought Tisdale turned it up a bit, we probably didn't come back and match them like we should've."
Odgers wasn't surprised by the physical element that characterized this game either - especially considering the rivalry that Yorkton and Tisdale should have this season. ?
"I think we'll battle all year," he adds.
As the dog days of training camp wear on, sometimes it is difficult for players to maintain their focus.
For the Harvest recruits, this shouldn't be a problem. Especially considering there are jobs on the line with the AAA club.
"There's jobs available. There's a lot of question marks and there are still guys that are with junior teams so there's still a lot of decisions to make," Odgers emphasizes, ensuring that complacency will not set in.
With these impending decisions still yet to be made, Odgers and the rest of the Harvest braintrust certainly know what sort of player they will be looking for. Preferably some with the mental toughness to make it through the AAA?season.
"Sometimes the guys with the pressure of those decisions knowing (that) they're battling for a team, you'll see some guys, they'll either welcome that challenge and they'll step their game up or other guys will pull back under pressure," the Coach points out.
Knowing that the hockey season is a long one, the Harvest are keeping an eye out for players who can stay mentally sharp and focused when the heat is on.
As for the most pressure-packed position on the ice, goaltender, Odgers says that audition for the backup spot is going well.
Spencer Bomboir started the game for Yorkton while Haiden Block finished it.
Odgers liked what he saw from both goalies.
"Our goaltending was good. I thought Bomboir made some big saves early, point blank," he recalls, "When Block came in, he faced quite a bit of rubber and held us in there."
The busy exhibition season continues for the AAA Harvest this week as the team travels to Tisdale on Saturday before playing host to the Regina Pat Canadians at the Farrell Agencies Arena. That game will be on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
The home opener for the Yorkton Harvest will be on Saturday October 2 at 7:30 p.m. versus the Battleford Stars.
