Washington Whale 8, Squirrels 5

It’s been a while since the Squirrels took a pounding. Even the two losses to the 5 Holes earlier this season – the only two until Tuesday – were only by a goal. But even during the 8-5 loss to Washington Whale, the Squirrels made it interesting by scoring five times in the second period and staging what was almost an amazing comeback.

Off the sticks of two guys who have no business in the C league – Mike Kent and Russ Mosley – Washington Whale jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, the first coming only six seconds into the game and the third with nine seconds remaining in the period.

The Whale’s scoring continued in the second period as they went up 5-0 at 4:11 of the second period. The Squirrels finally answered as Jeff Ford backhanded a pass through the crease to Ben Sumner, who hammered the puck home to cut the lead to 5-1. Three minutes later, Ford scored. Five minutes later, Chris Wautel’s individual effort suddenly made the game 5-3. Whale notched another goal with five minutes remaining in the game before Desi Richelsen got his first of the season. Wautel scored again off of a slap shot to the left corner to cut the lead to 6-5, but that was as close as the Squirrels would get. Mosely scored the next goal, and then added an empty-netter. Kent finished with one goal and five assists while Mosley scored five times, more than he’s scored all season in either A league he plays in.

The Squirrels played without Matt Borlik, Juan Canchasto, Wade Marks and Tony Richelsen.

The next game is Tuesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. against Mors ab Alto.