The Screaming Squirrels’ hopes of a second consecutive ice championship ended abruptly Wednesday as they fell in the first round playoff game, 6-3, to Exit First.
Down 1-0 midway through the first period, Wade Marks tied the game a few minutes later at 1-1. Then Marks gave the Squirrels the lead in the second period, which the Squirrels held for more than 10 minutes. Then, with 8 seconds to go in the period, Exit First got a breakaway and tied the game at 2-2.
Then came the third period, and the Squirrels fell apart. Exit First scored three goals in four minutes for a 5-2 lead. Rob Myers scored for the Squirrels to cut the score to 5-3, but Exit First got an empty-netter with a minute remaining.
The Squirrels took no penalties, outshot Exit First 30-28, but were 0-4 on the power play. The Squirrels were without regulars Desi Richelsen, Matt Borlik, Phil Van der Vossen and Don Marks.
The Squirrels will now break for the summer. Several will be playing on the roller squad, and several will be playing ice for other teams. The Squirrels expect to be back for the winter league.