Squirrels 5, Swingers 5

Playing the Swingers for the first time Tuesday, the Squirrels knew the team had speed. That became apparent only eight seconds into the game as they took a 1-0 lead. But the Squirrels controlled the rest of the first period before the Swingers found their form, and the teams skated off to a 5-5 tie.

After being down 1-0 off of the opening face-off, Ben Sumner found Jeff Ford streaking down the middle, and Ford roofed the puck at 12:15 of the first period. At 6:46, a Don Marks slap shot put the Squirrels up 2-1. A couple of minutes later, Sumner hurled the puck from the left side, and it deflected in for a 3-1 lead. With 1:34 remaining in the first period, Rob Myers got a pretty pass from Kit Watson to put the Squirrels up 4-1 on a power play.

Then the second period started. While the Squirrels got their share of chances, a few breakdowns led to three straight goals over a seven-minute stretch. With 5:24 remaining, the Swingers tied the game at 4-4. On the very next shift, Ford connected with Sumner, who chipped in the puck to regain the lead. The Squirrels couldn’t hold on. With :58 seconds remaining, the Squirrels got caught deep during a long shift, and the Swingers tied the game at 5-5.

The Squirrels outshot the Swingers, 36-23. The Squirrels played without Matt Borlik, Tony Richelsen and Juan Canchasto.

The next game is Tuesday, June 5, at 9 p.m. against Silver Spring, who the Squirrels are battling with for first place.