Squirrels 6, Enigma 2

The Squirrels had a quality victory Thursday, beating defending champs Enigma, 6-2, before two enthusiastic fans.

The match started out like last season’s semifinal playoff game (which Enigma won, 1-0) – heavy on the defense. Kit Watson got the scoring started early in the period with a second-effort shot to put the Squirrels ahead, 1-0. Enigma tied it, and the game was 1-1 at the half.

Early in the second half, Enigma’s Mike Vogt skated around everyone and tapped in a shot past goaltender Bob Sewell. Then the floodgates opened. Ben Sumner hit Matt Borlik in front of the net with a pass, and the game was tied, 2-2. Jeff Ford scored to put the Squirrels ahead. Then Ford scored again. The Squirrels got a scare as Don Marks went head-first into the boards. Seeing the injury, the referee blew the whistle a split second before Enigma scored a would-be goal. Marks was a little woozy, but managed to play again. Up 4-2, the Squirrels scored two more late in the game. Very similar to their first connection for a goal, Sumner found Borlik in front of the net again and the Squirrels went up 5-2. Then Ford scored his third of the game – his 10th of the season after only five games. The Squirrels outshot Enigma, 26-25. Chris Wautel, who played defense, finished the game with three assists.

The Squirrels only had two full lines, and were missing Juan Canchasto, Phil Van der Vossen, Desi Richelsen, Tony Richelsen, Wade Marks and Rob Myers. The next game is Tuesday, May 15 at 9 p.m. against Mors ab Alto.