The game could have gone either way. A bounce here, a post there, the game was close to being out of reach and the Squirrels could have skated away to their fifth straight victory – or they could’ve lost. Instead, as the buzzer sounded, the tie seemed like a blessing.

Enigma scored first as their ‘sub’ – who was wearing a completely different colored jersey than the rest of Enigma – skated around several players and put one through goaltender Bob Sewell. Chris Wautel tied the game late in the first period as he stood alone in front of the net and collected a pass from Jeff Ford.

Enigma took the lead in the second period, but the Squirrels battled back as Wautel and Ford each had a goal from passes by Ben Sumner. With about three minutes to go, the Squirrels took a penalty, and a deflected shot into the Squirrels’ net tied the game.

The Squirrels played without Matt Borlik, Don Marks, Wade Marks, and Juan Canchasto. The next game is Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. against Mors ab Alto.

Game notes: The tie likely drops the Squirrels to second place, as Silver Spring – a team the Squirrels beat earlier in the season – has yet to lose or tie another… Team captain Kit Watson celebrated his 28th birthday.

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.