A trip home seems to be just what the doctor ordered for the Yorkton Harvest as the struggling club won two straight over last place Beardy's Blackhawks over the weekend to chip away at the gap between them and the other teams battling for the final playoff spots.
Going 2-5 on their Harvest Showdown imposed roadtrip saw the Harvest sitting at just seven points on the season heading into their weekend homestand with the Blackhawks. Luckily for the Harvest Beardy's has had even worse struggles this season, posting a 1-12-2 record heading into Yorkton for the weekend giving the Harvest an ample opportunity to rack up some easy points to get back into the mix.
Opportunity was not passing by the Harvest as they got out to a flying start to the weekend, dominating play and riding three unanswered goals in the second period to a 5-2 victory in game one of the weekend set. A total team performance that saw eight different Harvest players earn points set the tone for the weekend with Carson Cayer getting two goals in the win. 48-21 was the shot count in a game that didn't see much action for Carson Bogdan who got the start over Spencer Bombior and made the saves he was required to make in what was a welcoming slow night for the Harvest goaltending.
Sunday saw a similar story as the Harvest dominated the shot count and held off an inspired second period performance from the Blackhawks to take the Sunday matinee 5-3. The Harvest made the game 3-0 after the first period with goals from Jaden Kreklewich, Logan Herchak and Landon Nichol giving them a commanding lead that was looking like it would grow as Beardy's was once again getting visibly outplayed.
The Blackhawks did end up showing they have pride despite being in last place with a second period that was the most competitive of the weekend with three goals on the period.
The Harvest were not to be denied the full weekend points as Lynndon Pastachak scored the final two goals of the game to close the door on Beardy's comeback hopes. After the four points the SMAAHL standings see the Harvest three points behind the Swift Current Legionnaires and the Notre Dame Argos in the battle for the final playoff spots. Battleford and the Saskatoon Blazers sit seven points ahead giving a small cushion between the middle of the pack and the final spots. Five of the playoff bound teams sit ten points up on the Harvest at the 15 game mark of the season, making it likely that the Harvest will be battling in the middle of the standings for the rest of the season.
A crucial series between the Legionnaires at the FAA December 1/2 will serve as a measuring stick for the Harvest's expectations going into the second half of the season as they look to develop consistency in getting back to .500. The good news is that the harvest are 4-5-1 in their last ten games with Swift Current being 1-7-1-1 in that span. If the Harvest can keep up with their .500 pace they have had since their losing streak to begin the season they will be able to continue to catch back ground with the teams they are chasing.
Next action for the Harvest will be back on the road as they wrap up their three game homestand and head to play the fourth place Regina Pat Canadians before heading to Wilcox to play the cellar dwelling Hounds in what will be a must win two points before Swift Current comes to town for their two game set at the FAA that could have serious early season playoff implications with both teams battling for the last spot in the postseason.
After putting themselves in a hole to start the season, the Harvest have slowly chipped their way back into the mix. More work is needed to be done, but this week the Harvest are on a roll and on the path to being a winning team for the first time all year.
