The Yorkton Harvest Midget AAA hockey team's trying season marched on over the weekend as they had mixed results in what was a weekend that showed promise to wrap up what has been a dismal 2-7-1 start to the season.
Saturday the Harvest travelled to play the Beardy's Blackhawks in the first of two road games over the weekend. Offence was abundant as the Harvest scored five goals off of 60 shots but still lost 6-5 to the Blackhawks despite outshooting them 60-33.
Dakota Odgers led the Harvest with a two goal, one assist performance while Lynndon Pastachak had a three point night with one goal and two helpers in what was a strong night for the Harvest forwards. Beardy's Taryn Phaneuf was undoubtedly the player of the game with a 55 save performance that stole the Blackhawks a win in a game the Harvest should have won.
Sunday the Harvest had more offensive success as the return of Dakota Odgers from the Swift Current Broncos has proved to be a difference maker as a four point night from Odgers and a four goal third period lifted the Harvest to a 4-2 victory over the Prince Albert Mintos on Sunday afternoon.
Chase McKersie opened the scoring for the Harvest in the first period in a one goal, two assist game before the Mintos answered back with two goals in the second period to head into the final twenty minutes with a 2-1 lead. However Eric Meyer and Odgers goals in the opening half of the third period gave the Harvest the lead and they never looked back adding a powerplay goal from Ethan Bear and Odgers second with four minutes left to head back to Yorkton with a win.
The weekend showed a glimpse of hope for the Harvest as they finally look like they might be able to turn the corner after a forgettable October. Still the Harvest are only three points out of eighth place and if they can win a few more games on this road trip will be right back in the hunt. With two weeks left until a return home, it will be crucial.
