The Squirrels started fast, slumped, then ran away in the second half for a 6-3 victory against the Chupacabras, their first win in three weeks.
On his first shift, Ben Sumner got the scoring started by knocking in a turnover in the crease. Less than a minute later, Jeff Ford scored in what seemed at the time could’ve been the beginning of a runaway game.
But the Chupacabras fought back, scoring twice in about a minute and again on the power play to take a 3-2 lead at the half.
In the second half, it was all Squirrels. Matt Borlik scored from the left circle. Rob Myers, returning from an off-ice injury, slammed in a slap shot. Ford scored again and so did Myers.
The Squirrels played two goaltenders – a sub during the first half and Brian Byrne in the second. Byrne was originally supposed to miss the game, but came anyway to the surprise of everyone. Byrne only faced five official shots, all of which turned out to be great saves that kept the Squirrels in the game. The Squirrels took several more penalties in the game than their opponent, especially in the second half, but manag’d to kill them off without a problem.
Andrew Lutzky, on the sub list this season, suited up for the Squirrels. Don Marks returned from his honeymoon, and Ed Bager made it to the game despite a mishap in the thunderstorm along the way. The Squirrels played without Phil Van der Vossen and Kit Watson.
The next game is Tuesday, July 19, at 10:30 against the Fish.